This season’s squabble has been somewhat of a non-entity. Primarily this has been due to the fact that I have to sit and “admire” the sporting scene across the pond, however the secondary reasons were the real deciding facts.
As we all knew, Chelsea had won the Premier League in early October, demolishing teams with scorelines that the Australian cricket team would be content with. England had the World Cup coming home to them in 2018 with an immaculate bid that no one could compete against. And Roy Hodgson would be seeing silverware next season – if Liverpool could win the Championship that is.
Oh how I love the unpredictability of football. Manchester United now find themselves sitting pretty with an Arsenal team, who look finally able to make the jump up to title contenders, hot on their heels. Manchester City’s money has given them hope, especially since Chelsea have collapsed.
Chelsea’s 1-0 win against 5th place Bolton – unbelievable in itself – was of vital importance in keeping them within a Champions League place. A loss could have been devastating for an aging side with few new signings coming in. Whether this victory will revive them is yet to be seen, but if it does not, could a collapse equal and above the likes of Leeds United be on the cards? Ibrahimovic is not a real fan, do not expect him to hang around for Europa League glory.
The current top three are doing everything they can to help their London rivals however, with each team slipping up against supposedly weaker opposition. None seem willing to embrace the role of being top-dog setting a neutral fan up for one of the most topsy-turvy seasons since the Premiership began in 1991.
However, the unpredictability on the pitch has been equalled by events, nationally and internationally, off the pitch. Roy Hodgson’s Merseyside disaster continues. An Anfield loss of 1-0 to bottom club Wolves does nothing to help his cause.
Aston Villa without Martin O’Neill look like a fish out of water. Everton keep showing signs of improvement but remain lower down the table than expected. Whereas Fulham fans are starting to add up the reasons to panic.
Yet, with these teams being in demise, restoring the table to equilibrium, others are on the way up. Bolton and Sunderland are two of the main winners so far. However, no one could complain about Blackburn’s or Newcastle’s positions either. Except the owners that is.
Sacking Chris Houghten and Sam Allardyce is nothing short of madness, not to mention rude and disrespectful. The only saving grace is that both these men will have no problem getting further employment. It just goes to show how unrealistic owners have become.
Still though at least the owners can bribe their way into fans hearts with promises of investment, record signings and cup glory! Unlike the England World Cup bid team who lambasted every other nation for open bribery, whilst continually giving underhand gifts for prospective votes, only to fail to take into account the Eurovision song contest and realise that the rest of the World hates us.
The home of football had the infrastructure, the most economically agreeable bid and fans that would embrace the world’s biggest tournament with an infectiousness that would mean that nobody would be worried about coming to watch their players represent their country on the national stage.
Instead we go to Russia in 2018 where even black players in Russia’s major league say the fans are far to racist to even consider bringing such an international event to the country. Good luck Africa that year.
This choice almost seems normal when compared to 2022 though – Qatar. Fair enough, they are going to air-condition the stadiums with state-of-the-art technology providing the cool climate needed for football. But what about the fans outside? The ones enjoying a beer? Soaking up the atmosphere with their friends and family? Well, not if you’re a woman of course. Or a homosexual. Oh, and no alcohol either.
Do not fear though, combat this we shall. Let’s just laugh about the situation and play the tournament in winter so it is not so hot. Just in the middle of ever other nation’s winter break or busiest schedule. At least Qatar are a world renowned footballing side.
Logically it is mad. When you think about it seriously we have just handed over a “football tournament” to a country which is no good at “football”. It would be like the nation putting someone in the first round of X-factor – who is in everyway terrible, but is still “singing” – through to the final and then voting for them just because we could do! It would be like saying to the unpopular kid at school, “go organise a party and we will all come” and actually meaning it! Only this is the world’s biggest party and other people wanted to host it! It would be like saying “let’s open up the world’s largest sport to everybody” and then giving it to a nation that excludes blacks, gays and women!
But hey-ho, that’s the way the cookie crumbles. The only way the world cup is coming home in the next few years is if England win the thing, or steal it. Thank goodness though for our domestic football. The energy, style and vibrancy creates an atmosphere so intense that even the best players fall to a well organised Blackpool side.
If my club began with a “W” I would be slightly worried, but not too much. West Ham look like they may become only the second side ever to be bottom at Christmas and stay up – West Brom being the other. The league is just that tight. More outlandish results remain ahead leaving only one thing that is for certain, next season the Premiership will see the return of the mighty, dirty-dirty, Leeds United.
Thursday 30 December 2010
The Certainty of Football
This season’s squabble has been somewhat of a non-entity. Primarily this has been due to the fact that I have to sit and “admire” the sporting scene across the pond, however the secondary reasons were the real deciding facts.
As we all knew, Chelsea had won the Premier League in early October, demolishing teams with scorelines that the Australian cricket team would be content with. England had the World Cup coming home to them in 2018 with an immaculate bid that no one could compete against. And Roy Hodgson would be seeing silverware next season – if Liverpool could win the Championship that is.
Oh how I love the unpredictability of football. Manchester United now find themselves sitting pretty with an Arsenal team, who look finally able to make the jump up to title contenders, hot on their heels. Manchester City’s money has given them hope, especially since Chelsea have collapsed.
Chelsea’s 1-0 win against 5th place Bolton – unbelievable in itself – was of vital importance in keeping them within a Champions League place. A loss could have been devastating for an aging side with few new signings coming in. Whether this victory will revive them is yet to be seen, but if it does not, could a collapse equal and above the likes of Leeds United be on the cards? Ibrahimovic is not a real fan, do not expect him to hang around for Europa League glory.
The current top three are doing everything they can to help their London rivals however, with each team slipping up against supposedly weaker opposition. None seem willing to embrace the role of being top-dog setting a neutral fan up for one of the most topsy-turvy seasons since the Premiership began in 1991.
However, the unpredictability on the pitch has been equalled by events, nationally and internationally, off the pitch. Roy Hodgson’s Merseyside disaster continues. An Anfield loss of 1-0 to bottom club Wolves does nothing to help his cause.
Aston Villa without Martin O’Neill look like a fish out of water. Everton keep showing signs of improvement but remain lower down the table than expected. Whereas Fulham fans are starting to add up the reasons to panic.
Yet, with these teams being in demise, restoring the table to equilibrium, others are on the way up. Bolton and Sunderland are two of the main winners so far. However, no one could complain about Blackburn’s or Newcastle’s positions either. Except the owners that is.
Sacking Chris Houghton and Sam Allardyce is nothing short of madness, not to mention rude and disrespectful. The only saving grace is that both these men will have no problem getting further employment. It just goes to show how unrealistic owners have become.
Still though at least the owners can bribe their way into fans hearts with promises of investment, record signings and cup glory! Unlike the England World Cup bid team who lambasted every other nation for open bribery, whilst continually giving underhand gifts for prospective votes, only to fail to take into account the Eurovision song contest and realise that the rest of the World hates us.
The home of football had the infrastructure, the most economically agreeable bid and fans that would embrace the world’s biggest tournament with an infectiousness that would mean that nobody would be worried about coming to watch their players represent their country on the national stage.
Instead we go to Russia in 2018 where even black players in Russia’s major league say the fans are far to racist to even consider bringing such an international event to the country. Good luck Africa that year.
This choice almost seems normal when compared to 2022 though – Qatar. Fair enough, they are going to air-condition the stadiums with state-of-the-art technology providing the cool climate needed for football. But what about the fans outside? The ones enjoying a beer? Soaking up the atmosphere with their friends and family? Well, not if you’re a woman of course. Or a homosexual. Oh, and no alcohol either.
Do not fear though, combat this we shall. Let’s just laugh about the situation and play the tournament in winter so it is not so hot. Just in the middle of ever other nation’s winter break or busiest schedule. At least Qatar are a world renowned footballing side.
Logically it is mad. When you think about it seriously we have just handed over a “football tournament” to a country which is no good at “football”. It would be like the nation putting someone in the first round of X-factor – who is in everyway terrible, but is still “singing” – through to the final and then voting for them just because we could do! It would be like saying to the unpopular kid at school, “go organise a party and we will all come” and actually meaning it! Only this is the world’s biggest party and other people wanted to host it! It would be like saying “let’s open up the world’s largest sport to everybody” and then giving it to a nation that excludes blacks, gays and women!
But hey-ho, that’s the way the cookie crumbles. The only way the world cup is coming home in the next few years is if England win the thing, or steal it. Thank goodness though for our domestic football. The energy, style and vibrancy creates an atmosphere so intense that even the best players fall to a well organised Blackpool side.
If my club began with a “W” I would be slightly worried, but not too much. West Ham look like they may become only the second side ever to be bottom at Christmas and stay up – West Brom being the other. The league is just that tight. More outlandish results remain ahead leaving only one thing that is for certain, next season the Premiership will see the return of the mighty, dirty-dirty, Leeds United.
As we all knew, Chelsea had won the Premier League in early October, demolishing teams with scorelines that the Australian cricket team would be content with. England had the World Cup coming home to them in 2018 with an immaculate bid that no one could compete against. And Roy Hodgson would be seeing silverware next season – if Liverpool could win the Championship that is.
Oh how I love the unpredictability of football. Manchester United now find themselves sitting pretty with an Arsenal team, who look finally able to make the jump up to title contenders, hot on their heels. Manchester City’s money has given them hope, especially since Chelsea have collapsed.
Chelsea’s 1-0 win against 5th place Bolton – unbelievable in itself – was of vital importance in keeping them within a Champions League place. A loss could have been devastating for an aging side with few new signings coming in. Whether this victory will revive them is yet to be seen, but if it does not, could a collapse equal and above the likes of Leeds United be on the cards? Ibrahimovic is not a real fan, do not expect him to hang around for Europa League glory.
The current top three are doing everything they can to help their London rivals however, with each team slipping up against supposedly weaker opposition. None seem willing to embrace the role of being top-dog setting a neutral fan up for one of the most topsy-turvy seasons since the Premiership began in 1991.
However, the unpredictability on the pitch has been equalled by events, nationally and internationally, off the pitch. Roy Hodgson’s Merseyside disaster continues. An Anfield loss of 1-0 to bottom club Wolves does nothing to help his cause.
Aston Villa without Martin O’Neill look like a fish out of water. Everton keep showing signs of improvement but remain lower down the table than expected. Whereas Fulham fans are starting to add up the reasons to panic.
Yet, with these teams being in demise, restoring the table to equilibrium, others are on the way up. Bolton and Sunderland are two of the main winners so far. However, no one could complain about Blackburn’s or Newcastle’s positions either. Except the owners that is.
Sacking Chris Houghton and Sam Allardyce is nothing short of madness, not to mention rude and disrespectful. The only saving grace is that both these men will have no problem getting further employment. It just goes to show how unrealistic owners have become.
Still though at least the owners can bribe their way into fans hearts with promises of investment, record signings and cup glory! Unlike the England World Cup bid team who lambasted every other nation for open bribery, whilst continually giving underhand gifts for prospective votes, only to fail to take into account the Eurovision song contest and realise that the rest of the World hates us.
The home of football had the infrastructure, the most economically agreeable bid and fans that would embrace the world’s biggest tournament with an infectiousness that would mean that nobody would be worried about coming to watch their players represent their country on the national stage.
Instead we go to Russia in 2018 where even black players in Russia’s major league say the fans are far to racist to even consider bringing such an international event to the country. Good luck Africa that year.
This choice almost seems normal when compared to 2022 though – Qatar. Fair enough, they are going to air-condition the stadiums with state-of-the-art technology providing the cool climate needed for football. But what about the fans outside? The ones enjoying a beer? Soaking up the atmosphere with their friends and family? Well, not if you’re a woman of course. Or a homosexual. Oh, and no alcohol either.
Do not fear though, combat this we shall. Let’s just laugh about the situation and play the tournament in winter so it is not so hot. Just in the middle of ever other nation’s winter break or busiest schedule. At least Qatar are a world renowned footballing side.
Logically it is mad. When you think about it seriously we have just handed over a “football tournament” to a country which is no good at “football”. It would be like the nation putting someone in the first round of X-factor – who is in everyway terrible, but is still “singing” – through to the final and then voting for them just because we could do! It would be like saying to the unpopular kid at school, “go organise a party and we will all come” and actually meaning it! Only this is the world’s biggest party and other people wanted to host it! It would be like saying “let’s open up the world’s largest sport to everybody” and then giving it to a nation that excludes blacks, gays and women!
But hey-ho, that’s the way the cookie crumbles. The only way the world cup is coming home in the next few years is if England win the thing, or steal it. Thank goodness though for our domestic football. The energy, style and vibrancy creates an atmosphere so intense that even the best players fall to a well organised Blackpool side.
If my club began with a “W” I would be slightly worried, but not too much. West Ham look like they may become only the second side ever to be bottom at Christmas and stay up – West Brom being the other. The league is just that tight. More outlandish results remain ahead leaving only one thing that is for certain, next season the Premiership will see the return of the mighty, dirty-dirty, Leeds United.
Saturday 7 August 2010
Premier League Potential
The World Cup excitement, and premature blues, have come and gone leaving behind a suitable gap in which to prepare for the start of the new Premier League season. With managerial changes, player transfers and injuries to look forwardtoo, who is going to be looking strong come May?
In terms of new faces there appear to be very few who will break into the respective team starting XI’s. Arsenal have managed to hold onto influential Cesc Fabregas, whether he will continue to play as strongly for the Gunners is yet to be witnessed. The Londoners young side should be coming into their own this season, with the added bonus of an out-and-out striker in Chamakh partnering a fully fit Van Persie. The departure of Sol Campbell and William Gallas will do them no harm.
Aston Villa are on the brink of losing their main man James Milner, something which will surely be a detriment to both the team and the player himself. A benchwarming spot at Manchester City awaits. No-one is yet to be brought to Villa but once Milner’s deal goes through expect a replacement to follow. With the other teams improving all around them will a top 6 position be possible for O’Neill’s men?
One of Villa’s midland rivals Birmingham had a storming first season in the Premier League, which caused many a low score for the predictors. On-loan shotstopper Joe Hart was one of the main reasons for their success but naturally he has returned to his parent club, so Ben Foster has been snapped up from Manchester United to fill the gaping hole. To finish as high as they did last season is surely not going to happen?
Blackburn may not fill you with excitement but nor do they worry you for relegation either. Their lack of goals may prove problematic. Kalinic will probably score enough goals to retain Rovers position in the lower half of mid table.
The tangerines of Blackpool are illuminating the Premiership for a year and no doubt they will be effectively out of the Premiership before their lights go out for summer. Ex-Rangers player Charlie Adam is the tower of this side; if he gets crowded out Blackpool could be in even more trouble, not that you can finish below 20th.
Bolton are another side who will hear the calls of mid-table boredom. Manager Owen Coyle is astute enough to keep the Reebok Stadium in the top league next season. The additions of Marcos Alonso from Real Madrid, Martin Petrov from Manchester City and Robbie Blake from Burnley are probably three of the best signings this season. Holding onto central midfielder Muamba is also a large bonus.
Chelsea topped the table last season and maybe surprisingly will be fielding a pretty similar team to that of last season. New signings Yossi Benayoun and Tomas Kalas do not look like first teams regulars, whereas Ballack and Joe Cole have moved on. Will the old guard of Terry and Lampard keep this side at the top after such a disappointing World Cup?
There appears to be no new flavour in the Toffee bag either, unless Jermaine Beckford exceeds expectations. Injuries hampered the Merseyside team last season, improving dramatically when all their players were available in the latter half of the season. If all the starting XI remain fit expect a small push for a top 6 place.
Mark Hughes will have a job on his hands achieving as much as Roy Hodgson did at Fulham. The introduction of Jonathan Greening will add some creative presence in midfield, although it may already be occupied by Duff, Murphy, Etuhu and Davies. The loss of Chris Smalling to Manchester United will not aid Sparky’s cause.
Roy Hodgson’s new challenge is reviving a Liverpool side that has slummed out of the top four and into the embarrassment of qualifying rounds for the Europa League. He has managed to keep hold of his major players whilst the capture of Joe Cole on a free transfer is definitely a superb signing. However, Torres is continually injured and Gerrard is struggling to do everything himself. Expect a push for the top 4, whether they will get there is to be witnessed.
One of the sides standing firmly in their way is the cash-flowing Manchester City. The Blues have their sights set on silverware, and lots of it. It’s just a shame the player’s jewellery boxes don’t count. New signings David Silva, Yaye Toure, Alex Kolarov and Jerome Boateng will do nothing for their outgoings, or for their compliance with the new Premiership ruling of only having 25 players in the squad, with 8 of those being home-grown players. Keeping everyone happy is going to be an impossible task. Their summer signing spree is not finished yet either.
In stark contrast to their arch rivals, Manchester United have spent very little this summer. Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez have been brought in but both have their eyes set on the future. Rooney will be looked upon to score the goals, if he misfires as he did for England the Red Devils could be struggling.
The Magpies are back in the Premiership and expect them to be there next season. They are by far the strongest of the promoted sides and will take no prisoners at St.James’s Park. Smith and Barton have enough to unsettle any visiting team, unsurprisingly though their discipline may be a concern. The signing of Sol Campbell mystifies.
Stoke will be looking to break into the top 10 this season as their large, physical style of football has firmly established them as a middle table team. Tony Pulis has worked wonders with his team and has changed his side very little over the last two seasons. Etherington and Delap will provide most of the balls for Fuller, Sidibe and Shawcross to convert.
Sunderland are one of the teams fighting Stoke for that elusive top-ten finish and this year they may be on the brink of achieving that goal. Jones and Bent will once more provide the firepower whilst Titus Bramble has been brought in to, yes this is right, tighten up the defence...The Black Cats have a strong core that should see Steve Bruce’s men do well this season.
Harry Redknapp’s side will have their sights set on the 4th Champions League spot once again this season. The distraction of being in the actual tournament may hamper their chances of remaining 4th in the domestic league, yet their large squad should help them out. Sandro is the only new signing so far, but then again they already have two full sides that would give any team a good game.
West Brom start the season just one place above the relegation zone and they shall be looking to hold onto that spot for as long as possible. Roberto Di Matteo is a quality young manager, adding a more resolute style to the team that tried to play free-flowing football in the Premiership and won only relegation. They will be there or there about come May, at the bottom that is.
West Ham on the other hand, finished last season in a nail biting 17th place but after sorting out their financial insecurities they will look to establish themselves in the middle of the table once more. The squad has too much talent to be in a relegation battle, supposedly. Parker will once more maraud the midfield with previous Premiership fan favourite Thomas Hitzlsperger – a.k.a “The Hammer” – joining the Hammers. The London side may hope Rob Green remains a safe pair of hands.
Wigan may be one of the teams dicing with death come May. At times last season they beat the top teams, at other times they were demolished or beaten by a poor outfit. Consistency is the key in this league and Wigan don’t have it. All hope will be on the new signing Mauro Boselli but how often do new foreign strikers settle easily in the Premiership?
The final team, Wolves, face a similar fate as Wigan. Every match will be a battle, with every point key to staying another year in the top league in England. Steven Fletcher has been snapped-up from relegated Burnley for £6.5million, as has Stephen Hunt from Hull City for a mere £3million. Buying previously relegated players does not bode well.
It is clear the Premiership is going to be tight this season, whether it be at the top or the bottom. It may be that three distinct mini-leagues appear within the main affair. Of course there are always teams that do better than expected, as well as the one team that struggles. Who will it be this season? You decide.
In terms of new faces there appear to be very few who will break into the respective team starting XI’s. Arsenal have managed to hold onto influential Cesc Fabregas, whether he will continue to play as strongly for the Gunners is yet to be witnessed. The Londoners young side should be coming into their own this season, with the added bonus of an out-and-out striker in Chamakh partnering a fully fit Van Persie. The departure of Sol Campbell and William Gallas will do them no harm.
Aston Villa are on the brink of losing their main man James Milner, something which will surely be a detriment to both the team and the player himself. A benchwarming spot at Manchester City awaits. No-one is yet to be brought to Villa but once Milner’s deal goes through expect a replacement to follow. With the other teams improving all around them will a top 6 position be possible for O’Neill’s men?
One of Villa’s midland rivals Birmingham had a storming first season in the Premier League, which caused many a low score for the predictors. On-loan shotstopper Joe Hart was one of the main reasons for their success but naturally he has returned to his parent club, so Ben Foster has been snapped up from Manchester United to fill the gaping hole. To finish as high as they did last season is surely not going to happen?
Blackburn may not fill you with excitement but nor do they worry you for relegation either. Their lack of goals may prove problematic. Kalinic will probably score enough goals to retain Rovers position in the lower half of mid table.
The tangerines of Blackpool are illuminating the Premiership for a year and no doubt they will be effectively out of the Premiership before their lights go out for summer. Ex-Rangers player Charlie Adam is the tower of this side; if he gets crowded out Blackpool could be in even more trouble, not that you can finish below 20th.
Bolton are another side who will hear the calls of mid-table boredom. Manager Owen Coyle is astute enough to keep the Reebok Stadium in the top league next season. The additions of Marcos Alonso from Real Madrid, Martin Petrov from Manchester City and Robbie Blake from Burnley are probably three of the best signings this season. Holding onto central midfielder Muamba is also a large bonus.
Chelsea topped the table last season and maybe surprisingly will be fielding a pretty similar team to that of last season. New signings Yossi Benayoun and Tomas Kalas do not look like first teams regulars, whereas Ballack and Joe Cole have moved on. Will the old guard of Terry and Lampard keep this side at the top after such a disappointing World Cup?
There appears to be no new flavour in the Toffee bag either, unless Jermaine Beckford exceeds expectations. Injuries hampered the Merseyside team last season, improving dramatically when all their players were available in the latter half of the season. If all the starting XI remain fit expect a small push for a top 6 place.
Mark Hughes will have a job on his hands achieving as much as Roy Hodgson did at Fulham. The introduction of Jonathan Greening will add some creative presence in midfield, although it may already be occupied by Duff, Murphy, Etuhu and Davies. The loss of Chris Smalling to Manchester United will not aid Sparky’s cause.
Roy Hodgson’s new challenge is reviving a Liverpool side that has slummed out of the top four and into the embarrassment of qualifying rounds for the Europa League. He has managed to keep hold of his major players whilst the capture of Joe Cole on a free transfer is definitely a superb signing. However, Torres is continually injured and Gerrard is struggling to do everything himself. Expect a push for the top 4, whether they will get there is to be witnessed.
One of the sides standing firmly in their way is the cash-flowing Manchester City. The Blues have their sights set on silverware, and lots of it. It’s just a shame the player’s jewellery boxes don’t count. New signings David Silva, Yaye Toure, Alex Kolarov and Jerome Boateng will do nothing for their outgoings, or for their compliance with the new Premiership ruling of only having 25 players in the squad, with 8 of those being home-grown players. Keeping everyone happy is going to be an impossible task. Their summer signing spree is not finished yet either.
In stark contrast to their arch rivals, Manchester United have spent very little this summer. Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez have been brought in but both have their eyes set on the future. Rooney will be looked upon to score the goals, if he misfires as he did for England the Red Devils could be struggling.
The Magpies are back in the Premiership and expect them to be there next season. They are by far the strongest of the promoted sides and will take no prisoners at St.James’s Park. Smith and Barton have enough to unsettle any visiting team, unsurprisingly though their discipline may be a concern. The signing of Sol Campbell mystifies.
Stoke will be looking to break into the top 10 this season as their large, physical style of football has firmly established them as a middle table team. Tony Pulis has worked wonders with his team and has changed his side very little over the last two seasons. Etherington and Delap will provide most of the balls for Fuller, Sidibe and Shawcross to convert.
Sunderland are one of the teams fighting Stoke for that elusive top-ten finish and this year they may be on the brink of achieving that goal. Jones and Bent will once more provide the firepower whilst Titus Bramble has been brought in to, yes this is right, tighten up the defence...The Black Cats have a strong core that should see Steve Bruce’s men do well this season.
Harry Redknapp’s side will have their sights set on the 4th Champions League spot once again this season. The distraction of being in the actual tournament may hamper their chances of remaining 4th in the domestic league, yet their large squad should help them out. Sandro is the only new signing so far, but then again they already have two full sides that would give any team a good game.
West Brom start the season just one place above the relegation zone and they shall be looking to hold onto that spot for as long as possible. Roberto Di Matteo is a quality young manager, adding a more resolute style to the team that tried to play free-flowing football in the Premiership and won only relegation. They will be there or there about come May, at the bottom that is.
West Ham on the other hand, finished last season in a nail biting 17th place but after sorting out their financial insecurities they will look to establish themselves in the middle of the table once more. The squad has too much talent to be in a relegation battle, supposedly. Parker will once more maraud the midfield with previous Premiership fan favourite Thomas Hitzlsperger – a.k.a “The Hammer” – joining the Hammers. The London side may hope Rob Green remains a safe pair of hands.
Wigan may be one of the teams dicing with death come May. At times last season they beat the top teams, at other times they were demolished or beaten by a poor outfit. Consistency is the key in this league and Wigan don’t have it. All hope will be on the new signing Mauro Boselli but how often do new foreign strikers settle easily in the Premiership?
The final team, Wolves, face a similar fate as Wigan. Every match will be a battle, with every point key to staying another year in the top league in England. Steven Fletcher has been snapped-up from relegated Burnley for £6.5million, as has Stephen Hunt from Hull City for a mere £3million. Buying previously relegated players does not bode well.
It is clear the Premiership is going to be tight this season, whether it be at the top or the bottom. It may be that three distinct mini-leagues appear within the main affair. Of course there are always teams that do better than expected, as well as the one team that struggles. Who will it be this season? You decide.
Sunday 13 June 2010
USA
The USA still have not come round to the sport of soccer as much as the other much beloved sports across the pond. However, an opening match in this year’s World Cup against the home of football provides the team with an opportunity to ignite a fury of excitement amongst Americans if a result can be achieved.
The USA naturally walked through qualifying beating Barbados 8-0 at the start of the campaign. They topped the third stage of qualifying when put against the best CONCACAF could offer and have now, despite being placed with England, been landed with a relatively straight forward group.
Group C hosts England, Slovenia and Algeria. England will be favourites, yet their recently poor showing at World Cups will probably mean they are one of the weaker seeded sides, giving the USA hope of at least a point, and maybe more. Slovenia and Algeria should both be overcome by an USA side with increasingly talent.
The USA’s main strength is their fitness. This is unsurprisingly for a nation that places a lot of emphasis on running for long periods at a quick pace. This increased stamina allows manager Bob Bradley to play a 4-4-2 formation, with the left and right-backs both given the licence to join in the attack as wing-backs.
Johnathan Spector and captain Carlos Bocanegra will play this role well. Both of them have experience with British clubs and so will know the English game well. Spector and Bocanegra have an all-round ability which allows them to push forward, yet they can also play anywhere along the back four.
In Tim Howard the USA have an excellent goalkeeper. Having played for Manchester United and Everton his reading of the English game will also be vital. He has been consistently strong for the Toffees so do not expect him to leak easy goals.
His two central defenders however, have been known to be susceptible to errors. Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu are both extremely physical players. Expect them to winch out of no challenge. Their over-the-top presence can be exploited though.
The midfield four of Donovan, Bradley, Clark and Dempsey are the bed-rock of the team. Donovan, Bradley and Dempsey all weighed in with 5 goals during qualification which is high for midfielders. Donovan and Dempsey will terrorise the wings, giving opposing full-backs a torrid time.
Donovan has 120caps for his country already, at the surprisingly young age of just 28 – the receding hairline clearly not an accurate representation. His 42 goals for the country make him also the USA’s all-time leading goalscorer. His brief spell at Everton was a great success. As for Dempsey his time at Fulham has been full of success, helping them reach the UEFA Cup Final this summer.
Hull City’s Jozy Altidore will lead the line up top. The 20 year olds presence will be felt by marking defenders. His 6 goals in qualifying made him the USA’s top goalscorer in the campaign. He will be expected to add to his goals for the nation.
The USA had an unexpected good Confederations Cup in 2009, beating Spain – the only team to do so in over 40 games the Spanish have played – and pushing Brazil in the Final. However, whether they can continue this run of form against the top teams is to be witnessed.
In their favour they do have a group that makes progression to the last 16 almost a guarantee. To lose out against Algeria or Slovenia would be a surprise. Once through the group stage better opposition await, yet on their day they can beat anyone. Let’s just hope they do not beat England on their way.
The USA naturally walked through qualifying beating Barbados 8-0 at the start of the campaign. They topped the third stage of qualifying when put against the best CONCACAF could offer and have now, despite being placed with England, been landed with a relatively straight forward group.
Group C hosts England, Slovenia and Algeria. England will be favourites, yet their recently poor showing at World Cups will probably mean they are one of the weaker seeded sides, giving the USA hope of at least a point, and maybe more. Slovenia and Algeria should both be overcome by an USA side with increasingly talent.
The USA’s main strength is their fitness. This is unsurprisingly for a nation that places a lot of emphasis on running for long periods at a quick pace. This increased stamina allows manager Bob Bradley to play a 4-4-2 formation, with the left and right-backs both given the licence to join in the attack as wing-backs.
Johnathan Spector and captain Carlos Bocanegra will play this role well. Both of them have experience with British clubs and so will know the English game well. Spector and Bocanegra have an all-round ability which allows them to push forward, yet they can also play anywhere along the back four.
In Tim Howard the USA have an excellent goalkeeper. Having played for Manchester United and Everton his reading of the English game will also be vital. He has been consistently strong for the Toffees so do not expect him to leak easy goals.
His two central defenders however, have been known to be susceptible to errors. Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu are both extremely physical players. Expect them to winch out of no challenge. Their over-the-top presence can be exploited though.
The midfield four of Donovan, Bradley, Clark and Dempsey are the bed-rock of the team. Donovan, Bradley and Dempsey all weighed in with 5 goals during qualification which is high for midfielders. Donovan and Dempsey will terrorise the wings, giving opposing full-backs a torrid time.
Donovan has 120caps for his country already, at the surprisingly young age of just 28 – the receding hairline clearly not an accurate representation. His 42 goals for the country make him also the USA’s all-time leading goalscorer. His brief spell at Everton was a great success. As for Dempsey his time at Fulham has been full of success, helping them reach the UEFA Cup Final this summer.
Hull City’s Jozy Altidore will lead the line up top. The 20 year olds presence will be felt by marking defenders. His 6 goals in qualifying made him the USA’s top goalscorer in the campaign. He will be expected to add to his goals for the nation.
The USA had an unexpected good Confederations Cup in 2009, beating Spain – the only team to do so in over 40 games the Spanish have played – and pushing Brazil in the Final. However, whether they can continue this run of form against the top teams is to be witnessed.
In their favour they do have a group that makes progression to the last 16 almost a guarantee. To lose out against Algeria or Slovenia would be a surprise. Once through the group stage better opposition await, yet on their day they can beat anyone. Let’s just hope they do not beat England on their way.
USA
The USA still have not come round to the sport of soccer as much as the other much beloved sports across the pond. However, an opening match in this year’s World Cup against the home of football provides the team with an opportunity to ignite a fury of excitement amongst Americans if a result can be achieved.
The USA naturally walked through qualifying beating Barbados 8-0 at the start of the campaign. They topped the third stage of qualifying when put against the best CONCACAF could offer and have now, despite being placed with England, been landed with a relatively straight forward group.
Group C attends England, Slovenia and Algeria. England will be favourites, yet their recently poor showing at World Cups will probably mean they are one of the weaker seeded sides, giving the USA hope of at least a point, and maybe more. Slovenia and Algeria should both be overcome by an USA side with increasingly talent.
The USA’s main strength is their fitness. This is unsurprisingly for a nation that places a lot of emphasis on running for long periods at a quick pace. This increased stamina allows manager Bob Bradley to play a 4-4-2 formation, with the left and right-backs both given the licence to join in the attack as wing-backs.
Johnathan Spector and captain Carlos Bocanegra will play this role well. Both of them have experience with British clubs and so will know the English game well. Spector and Bocanegra have an all-round ability which allows them to push forward, yet they can also play anywhere along the back four.
In Tim Howard the USA have an excellent goalkeeper. Having played for Manchester United and Everton his reading of the English game will also be vital. He has been consistently strong for the Toffees so do not expect him to leak easy goals.
His two central defenders however, have been known to be susceptible to errors. Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu are both extremely physical players. Expect them to winch out of no challenge. Their over-the-top presence can be exploited though.
The midfield four of Donovan, Bradley, Clark and Dempsey are the bed-rock of the team. Donovan, Bradley and Dempsey all weighed in with 5 goals during qualification which is high for midfielders. Donovan and Dempsey will terrorise the wings, giving opposing full-backs a torrid time.
Donovan has 120caps for his country already, at the surprisingly young age of just 28 – the receding hairline clearly not an accurate representation. His 42 goals for the country make him also the USA’s all-time leading goalscorer. His brief spell at Everton was a great success. As for Dempsey his time at Fulham has been full of success, helping them reach the UEFA Cup Final this summer.
Hull City’s Jozy Altidore will lead the line up top. The 20 year olds presence will be felt by marking defenders. His 6 goals in qualifying made him the USA’s top goalscorer in the campaign. He will be expected to add to his goals for the nation.
The USA had an unexpected good Confederations Cup in 2009, beating Spain – the only team to do so in over 40 games they Spanish have played – and pushing Brazil in the Final. However, whether they can continue this run of form against the top teams is to be witnessed.
In their favour they do have a good that makes progression to the last 16 almost a guarantee. To lose out against Algeria or Slovenia would be a surprise. Once through the group stage better opposition await, yet on their day they can beat anyone. Let’s just hope they do not beat England on their way.
The USA naturally walked through qualifying beating Barbados 8-0 at the start of the campaign. They topped the third stage of qualifying when put against the best CONCACAF could offer and have now, despite being placed with England, been landed with a relatively straight forward group.
Group C attends England, Slovenia and Algeria. England will be favourites, yet their recently poor showing at World Cups will probably mean they are one of the weaker seeded sides, giving the USA hope of at least a point, and maybe more. Slovenia and Algeria should both be overcome by an USA side with increasingly talent.
The USA’s main strength is their fitness. This is unsurprisingly for a nation that places a lot of emphasis on running for long periods at a quick pace. This increased stamina allows manager Bob Bradley to play a 4-4-2 formation, with the left and right-backs both given the licence to join in the attack as wing-backs.
Johnathan Spector and captain Carlos Bocanegra will play this role well. Both of them have experience with British clubs and so will know the English game well. Spector and Bocanegra have an all-round ability which allows them to push forward, yet they can also play anywhere along the back four.
In Tim Howard the USA have an excellent goalkeeper. Having played for Manchester United and Everton his reading of the English game will also be vital. He has been consistently strong for the Toffees so do not expect him to leak easy goals.
His two central defenders however, have been known to be susceptible to errors. Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu are both extremely physical players. Expect them to winch out of no challenge. Their over-the-top presence can be exploited though.
The midfield four of Donovan, Bradley, Clark and Dempsey are the bed-rock of the team. Donovan, Bradley and Dempsey all weighed in with 5 goals during qualification which is high for midfielders. Donovan and Dempsey will terrorise the wings, giving opposing full-backs a torrid time.
Donovan has 120caps for his country already, at the surprisingly young age of just 28 – the receding hairline clearly not an accurate representation. His 42 goals for the country make him also the USA’s all-time leading goalscorer. His brief spell at Everton was a great success. As for Dempsey his time at Fulham has been full of success, helping them reach the UEFA Cup Final this summer.
Hull City’s Jozy Altidore will lead the line up top. The 20 year olds presence will be felt by marking defenders. His 6 goals in qualifying made him the USA’s top goalscorer in the campaign. He will be expected to add to his goals for the nation.
The USA had an unexpected good Confederations Cup in 2009, beating Spain – the only team to do so in over 40 games they Spanish have played – and pushing Brazil in the Final. However, whether they can continue this run of form against the top teams is to be witnessed.
In their favour they do have a good that makes progression to the last 16 almost a guarantee. To lose out against Algeria or Slovenia would be a surprise. Once through the group stage better opposition await, yet on their day they can beat anyone. Let’s just hope they do not beat England on their way.
Friday 11 June 2010
Uruguay
Uruguay have once more qualified through the play-offs to reach the World Cup. Goals away by Lugano and at home by Abreu gave Uruguay an aggregate 2-1 victory over the unfortunate Costa Rica to make it to the finals. How they fair there, will probably correspond with how Deigo Forlan plays for them.
With countries such as Brazil and Argentina in their qualifying group, it is always going to be a challenge to qualify for the World Cup. Two other nations are guaranteed a ticket yet one more can be obtained, as it so invariably has, through a play-off match against a North American qualifier. So Uruguay have done well to make it to South Africa with a form that looks somewhat patchy.
Uruguay only won one game against another team that is managed to battle through qualification to reach South Africa, a 2-0 won at home against Paraguay. This lack of results against the better teams may show us that they may well struggle this summer.
The South American’s have managed to land themselves in Group A, which contains France (last times beaten finalists), Mexico (an omnipresent second round nation) and South Africa (the tournament hosts). Each tie is tricky for different reasons, but Uruguay do have the talent to cope, if they perform to their full potential.
The front pair of Deigo Forlan and Luis Suarez are a dangerous combination. Forlan will be remembered forever in Britain for being one of the biggest flops the Premier League has witnessed, going 50 games for Manchester United. However, he has topped the lead goalscorer charts in La Liga twice – once for Villarreal and once for Atletico Madrid.
Luis Suarez is Ajex’s club captain and has netted almost 70 goals in 100 matches for the side, an unbelievable achievement. Suarez scored four goals in qualifying and will be looking to score more at the World Cup. If he fails to hit the target, Oscar Tabarez can always bring on the reliable Sebastian Abreu, who scored 6 goals, many of which were after coming off the bench.
Expect to see Oscar Tabarez to field an attacking 5-3-2 formation, with defensive midfielders holding, giving the wing-backs licence to rampage forward to join in with the action in the latter parts of the pitch. This is his second time in charge of the national side, having taken Uruguay to the knock-out stages of Italia 90.
Despite playing with seemingly attacking wing-backs, MartinCaceres and Maxi Pereira are more natural gifted at defending. So do not expect to see too much flair coming from wide areas of the pitch.
Diego Lugano is the Uruguay captain and is also a solid centre-back. He will play in the middle of the back three, controlling the game with this feet and his voice. His head has also being very useful going forward, with Lugano scoring 4 goals during qualification, including the first against Costa Rica in the play-off.
Uruguay will be looking to progress to the second round, yet their group is tough. France will be expected to win and South Africa will look no doubt play better than their abilities suggest with the tournament being played there. However, Uruguay have the power to overcome all three of their group opponents, it is just whether their form will give them the consistency to play the football they are capable of. We shall have to wait and see.
With countries such as Brazil and Argentina in their qualifying group, it is always going to be a challenge to qualify for the World Cup. Two other nations are guaranteed a ticket yet one more can be obtained, as it so invariably has, through a play-off match against a North American qualifier. So Uruguay have done well to make it to South Africa with a form that looks somewhat patchy.
Uruguay only won one game against another team that is managed to battle through qualification to reach South Africa, a 2-0 won at home against Paraguay. This lack of results against the better teams may show us that they may well struggle this summer.
The South American’s have managed to land themselves in Group A, which contains France (last times beaten finalists), Mexico (an omnipresent second round nation) and South Africa (the tournament hosts). Each tie is tricky for different reasons, but Uruguay do have the talent to cope, if they perform to their full potential.
The front pair of Deigo Forlan and Luis Suarez are a dangerous combination. Forlan will be remembered forever in Britain for being one of the biggest flops the Premier League has witnessed, going 50 games for Manchester United. However, he has topped the lead goalscorer charts in La Liga twice – once for Villarreal and once for Atletico Madrid.
Luis Suarez is Ajex’s club captain and has netted almost 70 goals in 100 matches for the side, an unbelievable achievement. Suarez scored four goals in qualifying and will be looking to score more at the World Cup. If he fails to hit the target, Oscar Tabarez can always bring on the reliable Sebastian Abreu, who scored 6 goals, many of which were after coming off the bench.
Expect to see Oscar Tabarez to field an attacking 5-3-2 formation, with defensive midfielders holding, giving the wing-backs licence to rampage forward to join in with the action in the latter parts of the pitch. This is his second time in charge of the national side, having taken Uruguay to the knock-out stages of Italia 90.
Despite playing with seemingly attacking wing-backs, MartinCaceres and Maxi Pereira are more natural gifted at defending. So do not expect to see too much flair coming from wide areas of the pitch.
Diego Lugano is the Uruguay captain and is also a solid centre-back. He will play in the middle of the back three, controlling the game with this feet and his voice. His head has also being very useful going forward, with Lugano scoring 4 goals during qualification, including the first against Costa Rica in the play-off.
Uruguay will be looking to progress to the second round, yet their group is tough. France will be expected to win and South Africa will look no doubt play better than their abilities suggest with the tournament being played there. However, Uruguay have the power to overcome all three of their group opponents, it is just whether their form will give them the consistency to play the football they are capable of. We shall have to wait and see.
Switzerland
Undoubtedly, the Swiss are the most boring football team to watch this tournament. Their last appearance in Germany 2006 encapsulated perfectly what this nation is all about, drawing 0-0 with France, yet beating Togo and South Korea both 2-0 to progress to the last 16. The game against the Ukraine was eventually decided on penalties after 120minutes of mind-numbing goalless boredom. Ukraine missed their fair share and still managed to go through as the Swiss scored none in the shootout.
So, as you may guess, Switzerland are not a team full of attacking flair. They were the only side in Germany 2006 not to concede a goal in regulation play, a fine achievement. They grind out results and defend solidly. Unlike some of the other nations who defend on the basis of physical strength – such as Greece and Serbia – Switzerland rely on ball possession. What is missing is attacking pizzazz.
Inler and Fernandes control games from the centre of the park, yet they struggle to know what to do with the ball once they receive it, unless a square or backward pass is on. However, both break-up the opponents play well, making it hard for opposing teams to attack the defence.
The two wingers will look to provide some small spark. Tranquillo Barnetta helped Bayer Leverkusen go on an unbeaten 24-match unbeaten run at the start of the season, but this does not mean they won all 24 games, or that he aided the side in an attacking sense. Marco Padalino will make an appearance on the right having scored once in his 7 caps, a seemingly high strike-rate in this side.
The defence is marshalled by Philippe Senderos. The ex-Arsenal man is on his day a fine central defender. However, he can be prone to the odd case of stupidity, which may be why he is a former Arsenal player and not a current one.
The right-back Stephen Lichtsteiner is a capable player for Lazio. He also completed a banking apprenticeship. Unlike Ludovic Magnin who not only plays left-back but also is a qualified primary school teacher.
The strikepartnership of Alexander Frei and Blaise Nkufo score a large majority of the Swiss goals. In qualifying Switzerland scored 18 goals, Frei and Nkufo scored 10. Frei is the national team’s all-time leading goal-scorer, however, he frequently underperforms on the biggest stage and is a race to recover from injury.
Ottmar Hitzfeld is the Swiss national coach. He has won the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. He will be looking to use all his tactical astuteness to man-manage Switzerland through to the second round. However, he will rarely change from a standard 4-4-2.
In a recent Four-Four-Two magazine, there were reports on each nation competing in the World Cup. Next to each article was a picture, usually of the team celebrating qualifying. For Switzerland, there was a picture of the national side training in the background, whilst in the foreground there was a cow with a bell round the neck. This is all they could do to liven up the Swiss team.
Switzerland will look to stifle their opponents. Spain will easily overcome this tactic. Chile have a great attacking flair, so expect a game played in two halves, depending on which one Switzerland is defending at the time. Honduras should find Switzerland hard to break down and so this may prove to be Switzerland’s one chance of points in South Africa.
Switzerland will struggle to get out of the group stages. To do so they will have to play some boring football. Only once in qualifying did they score more than 2 goals – they scored 3 against Luxembourg – however they never let in more than 2 either. So, they won’t even be entertaining in a embarrassing big loss way. Therefore, taking all this into account, Switzerland may be one team I may not mind missing during the tournament in South Africa.
So, as you may guess, Switzerland are not a team full of attacking flair. They were the only side in Germany 2006 not to concede a goal in regulation play, a fine achievement. They grind out results and defend solidly. Unlike some of the other nations who defend on the basis of physical strength – such as Greece and Serbia – Switzerland rely on ball possession. What is missing is attacking pizzazz.
Inler and Fernandes control games from the centre of the park, yet they struggle to know what to do with the ball once they receive it, unless a square or backward pass is on. However, both break-up the opponents play well, making it hard for opposing teams to attack the defence.
The two wingers will look to provide some small spark. Tranquillo Barnetta helped Bayer Leverkusen go on an unbeaten 24-match unbeaten run at the start of the season, but this does not mean they won all 24 games, or that he aided the side in an attacking sense. Marco Padalino will make an appearance on the right having scored once in his 7 caps, a seemingly high strike-rate in this side.
The defence is marshalled by Philippe Senderos. The ex-Arsenal man is on his day a fine central defender. However, he can be prone to the odd case of stupidity, which may be why he is a former Arsenal player and not a current one.
The right-back Stephen Lichtsteiner is a capable player for Lazio. He also completed a banking apprenticeship. Unlike Ludovic Magnin who not only plays left-back but also is a qualified primary school teacher.
The strikepartnership of Alexander Frei and Blaise Nkufo score a large majority of the Swiss goals. In qualifying Switzerland scored 18 goals, Frei and Nkufo scored 10. Frei is the national team’s all-time leading goal-scorer, however, he frequently underperforms on the biggest stage and is a race to recover from injury.
Ottmar Hitzfeld is the Swiss national coach. He has won the Champions League with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. He will be looking to use all his tactical astuteness to man-manage Switzerland through to the second round. However, he will rarely change from a standard 4-4-2.
In a recent Four-Four-Two magazine, there were reports on each nation competing in the World Cup. Next to each article was a picture, usually of the team celebrating qualifying. For Switzerland, there was a picture of the national side training in the background, whilst in the foreground there was a cow with a bell round the neck. This is all they could do to liven up the Swiss team.
Switzerland will look to stifle their opponents. Spain will easily overcome this tactic. Chile have a great attacking flair, so expect a game played in two halves, depending on which one Switzerland is defending at the time. Honduras should find Switzerland hard to break down and so this may prove to be Switzerland’s one chance of points in South Africa.
Switzerland will struggle to get out of the group stages. To do so they will have to play some boring football. Only once in qualifying did they score more than 2 goals – they scored 3 against Luxembourg – however they never let in more than 2 either. So, they won’t even be entertaining in a embarrassing big loss way. Therefore, taking all this into account, Switzerland may be one team I may not mind missing during the tournament in South Africa.
Monday 7 June 2010
Spain
Current European Champions, World Cup favourites and their fellow countrymen had the joy of being stage-crashed at Eurovision by a randomer from the crowd, could life be any better for this previously underperforming nation?
The answer is an affirmative no. The first country ever to qualify for the World Cup having won all ten of their European qualifying group games. Only five goals were conceded, twenty-eight netted. Unstoppable? Not quite, they have lost one game in their last 45 competitive games (a 2-0 lost to the USA in the Confederations Cup semi-final). There is hope for everyone else yet.
But then once again the realisation occurs, Cesc Fabregas and Marcos Senna cannot hold down a place in the starting XI. Fabregas, one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, does not start regularly for his national side, just how good are they?
You think there must be a mistake, someone must be able to be moved around to let him in, but then you notice Xabi Alonso plays the defensive role. Liverpool have collapsed without him, his passing range second to none – well, apart from two other Spanish midfielders.
The midfield three in front of Alonso are David Silva, Xavi and Iniesta. The jaw simply drops. No wonder Thierry Henry came off the pitch for France after playing Spain shrugging and saying “You can’t get the ball off them.”
Yet, their passing is not just accurate but it is also cutting. Every one of them can open-up a defence easier than eating a biscuit before dinner because you are that hungry. Like a bull to the red rag, expect to see a few frustrated opposing midfielders try to prevent this unit in the only way possibly, inevitably leading to a red card.
If you thought the midfield was unbelievable you may find yourself in shock when you hear the calibre of the two main strikers – Fernando Torres and David Villa. Actually, you probably won’t be in shock, because you cannot fail to know these two players. Even in an injury filled season for Liverpool Torres has been their best player. As for David Villa he has scored 36 goals in 55 caps. The pair are unstoppable.
The defence is supposedly weak. Pique and Puyol evidentially are much poorer than I notice. One was one of the world’s best centre-backs yet remains to play at a high level, the other is becoming the world’s best centre-back. Both play for Barcelona, this extended relationship will help make them stable.
The Spanish keeper is Iker Casillas. With 102 caps he is one of the most experienced players at the World Cup. He is also the captain of the Spanish side, keeping Pepe Reina firmly on the bench. His ability and agility have kept him at the top of his game throughout his distinguished career.
Vicente Del Bosque is the man in charge of picking the team, however, I think even the likes of you and me could manage this side. There really is not much too it. How can you mess up a side so unstoppable?
So are Spain going to do what people expect this year and finally conquer the World? The statistics, the players, and the scorelines all suggest the same outcome, their name should be etched into the history books come the end of the tournament. If they lose, they will go down as the greatest team ever not to win.
The answer is an affirmative no. The first country ever to qualify for the World Cup having won all ten of their European qualifying group games. Only five goals were conceded, twenty-eight netted. Unstoppable? Not quite, they have lost one game in their last 45 competitive games (a 2-0 lost to the USA in the Confederations Cup semi-final). There is hope for everyone else yet.
But then once again the realisation occurs, Cesc Fabregas and Marcos Senna cannot hold down a place in the starting XI. Fabregas, one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, does not start regularly for his national side, just how good are they?
You think there must be a mistake, someone must be able to be moved around to let him in, but then you notice Xabi Alonso plays the defensive role. Liverpool have collapsed without him, his passing range second to none – well, apart from two other Spanish midfielders.
The midfield three in front of Alonso are David Silva, Xavi and Iniesta. The jaw simply drops. No wonder Thierry Henry came off the pitch for France after playing Spain shrugging and saying “You can’t get the ball off them.”
Yet, their passing is not just accurate but it is also cutting. Every one of them can open-up a defence easier than eating a biscuit before dinner because you are that hungry. Like a bull to the red rag, expect to see a few frustrated opposing midfielders try to prevent this unit in the only way possibly, inevitably leading to a red card.
If you thought the midfield was unbelievable you may find yourself in shock when you hear the calibre of the two main strikers – Fernando Torres and David Villa. Actually, you probably won’t be in shock, because you cannot fail to know these two players. Even in an injury filled season for Liverpool Torres has been their best player. As for David Villa he has scored 36 goals in 55 caps. The pair are unstoppable.
The defence is supposedly weak. Pique and Puyol evidentially are much poorer than I notice. One was one of the world’s best centre-backs yet remains to play at a high level, the other is becoming the world’s best centre-back. Both play for Barcelona, this extended relationship will help make them stable.
The Spanish keeper is Iker Casillas. With 102 caps he is one of the most experienced players at the World Cup. He is also the captain of the Spanish side, keeping Pepe Reina firmly on the bench. His ability and agility have kept him at the top of his game throughout his distinguished career.
Vicente Del Bosque is the man in charge of picking the team, however, I think even the likes of you and me could manage this side. There really is not much too it. How can you mess up a side so unstoppable?
So are Spain going to do what people expect this year and finally conquer the World? The statistics, the players, and the scorelines all suggest the same outcome, their name should be etched into the history books come the end of the tournament. If they lose, they will go down as the greatest team ever not to win.
Friday 4 June 2010
South Korea
Ever-present since Mexico 86, South Korea has once again sauntered through qualifying to reach the World Cup finals in South Africa. For those of you who are accomplished mathematicians, 2010 makes it their seventh consecutive appearance – their 8th finals overall – no mean feat.
The Red Devil’s record in World Cups is seemingly poor though, with the Koreans struggling to match the ability of the nations who reside outside of Asia. In the first 5 World Cups South Korea attended they failed to win a match. This changed dramatically in 2002 when they joint hosted the tournament, going on a magical run that led them all the way to the semi-finals, bypassing Portugal, Spain and Italy along the way. A truly remarkable achievement, something hosts South Africa will no doubt be clinging onto.
In Germany 2006 the Koreans once more slipped back into normality, failing to get out of the group stages. However, they did beat Togo 2-1 which was their first win in the World Cup out of Asia, a massive weight lifted off the nation’s collective shoulders. South Korea did manage a 1-1 draw with eventual finalists France, but a 2-0 loss to Switzerland meant they failed to progress.
The Tigers of Asia were drawn in Group B along with Argentina, Greece and Nigeria. This is a very competitive group, but then again one of South Korea’s main strengths is their work-rate. Argentina should over-power the group. Having said that, worries over Maradona as a manager could work in favour of their opposition. Greece and Nigeria both play a similar game, with reliance on strength and defence key. A strong team unit will be formed in the hope to nick a goal to oust the competition. This means South Korea will need to have some creativity to open-up gaps and to break down defences.
Manchester United player and The Red Devils captain Park Ji-sung is the midfield maestro who the fans will want to sparkle. Park Ji-sung became the first Asian player to play in the Champions League final and will be representing his country at his third World Cup. His hard working attitude, coupled with an eye to create space, make him a dangerous weapon. He found the net four times in qualifying and scored the goal that knocked Portugal out of the World Cup and advanced South Korea to the last 16 in 2002.
The midfield also plays host to Celtic’s Ki Sung-yong who is a highly rated Asian football, aged just 21. Lee Chung-yong occupies the right wing and after his impressive form for Bolton this year he will be looking to hit the mark in South Africa. Lee Chung-yong is dangerous from dead-balls due to his accurate crossing ability.
Park Chu-young scored four times in qualifying and is expected to bag the all important goals this summer. He plays his domestic football for French side Monaco. His speed is his main weapon but he also adds creativity and a skilled passing ability to his repertoire.
The defence may be South Korea’s main concern with a combined aged, including the goalkeeper, of 157 years. With age though comes experience and players such as left-back Lee Young-pyo have now travelled around some top European leagues. Lee Young-po had a stint at Spurs and has also played in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund.
The manager Huh Jung-moo has been in and out of the national set-up for 21 years now and is part of the management staff for the 4th time. At times his defensive tactics and preferred team players have caused confusion and annoyance amongst fans, but he won Asian Coach of the Year in 2009 and always gets a lot out of all players.
Since the unbelievable success in the World Cup in 2002 expectation has been high that South Korea will perform well. It is clear that they struggle to adapt to the difference between opponents they dominate in qualifying, to the teams they play on the world stage. The step-up is hard, but The Red Devils have enough quality and team determination to do what they have never achieved out of Asia before, and advance to the last 16.
The Red Devil’s record in World Cups is seemingly poor though, with the Koreans struggling to match the ability of the nations who reside outside of Asia. In the first 5 World Cups South Korea attended they failed to win a match. This changed dramatically in 2002 when they joint hosted the tournament, going on a magical run that led them all the way to the semi-finals, bypassing Portugal, Spain and Italy along the way. A truly remarkable achievement, something hosts South Africa will no doubt be clinging onto.
In Germany 2006 the Koreans once more slipped back into normality, failing to get out of the group stages. However, they did beat Togo 2-1 which was their first win in the World Cup out of Asia, a massive weight lifted off the nation’s collective shoulders. South Korea did manage a 1-1 draw with eventual finalists France, but a 2-0 loss to Switzerland meant they failed to progress.
The Tigers of Asia were drawn in Group B along with Argentina, Greece and Nigeria. This is a very competitive group, but then again one of South Korea’s main strengths is their work-rate. Argentina should over-power the group. Having said that, worries over Maradona as a manager could work in favour of their opposition. Greece and Nigeria both play a similar game, with reliance on strength and defence key. A strong team unit will be formed in the hope to nick a goal to oust the competition. This means South Korea will need to have some creativity to open-up gaps and to break down defences.
Manchester United player and The Red Devils captain Park Ji-sung is the midfield maestro who the fans will want to sparkle. Park Ji-sung became the first Asian player to play in the Champions League final and will be representing his country at his third World Cup. His hard working attitude, coupled with an eye to create space, make him a dangerous weapon. He found the net four times in qualifying and scored the goal that knocked Portugal out of the World Cup and advanced South Korea to the last 16 in 2002.
The midfield also plays host to Celtic’s Ki Sung-yong who is a highly rated Asian football, aged just 21. Lee Chung-yong occupies the right wing and after his impressive form for Bolton this year he will be looking to hit the mark in South Africa. Lee Chung-yong is dangerous from dead-balls due to his accurate crossing ability.
Park Chu-young scored four times in qualifying and is expected to bag the all important goals this summer. He plays his domestic football for French side Monaco. His speed is his main weapon but he also adds creativity and a skilled passing ability to his repertoire.
The defence may be South Korea’s main concern with a combined aged, including the goalkeeper, of 157 years. With age though comes experience and players such as left-back Lee Young-pyo have now travelled around some top European leagues. Lee Young-po had a stint at Spurs and has also played in the Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund.
The manager Huh Jung-moo has been in and out of the national set-up for 21 years now and is part of the management staff for the 4th time. At times his defensive tactics and preferred team players have caused confusion and annoyance amongst fans, but he won Asian Coach of the Year in 2009 and always gets a lot out of all players.
Since the unbelievable success in the World Cup in 2002 expectation has been high that South Korea will perform well. It is clear that they struggle to adapt to the difference between opponents they dominate in qualifying, to the teams they play on the world stage. The step-up is hard, but The Red Devils have enough quality and team determination to do what they have never achieved out of Asia before, and advance to the last 16.
Thursday 3 June 2010
South Africa
The World Cup has finally made it to Africa. Months of preparation, construction, anticipation and saving up for months on end to be able to queue for hours to buy that gloriously elusive World Cup ticket have all been part and parcel of this wondrous occasion, unfortunately the opportunity to go down in the history books as being the first host nation to fail to make it through the group stages of the competition looms over the heads of the South African team.
Bafana Bafana are not intending to go quietly though with the noise created by home supporters decimals above other European crowds, helped by the sound of the vuvuzela an instrument that FIFA had attempted to ban. It wouldn’t be African football without the vuvuzela and it wouldn’t be African football if the noise bared any resemblance to the action that took place on the field.
Naturally with South Africa hosting the tournament there is no need for them to qualify. If this were the case they certainly would not be partaking, which would be absolute travesty. No doubt they will up their game on home soil and prove the doubters wrong.
Form though has been haphazard for Bafana Bafana with a Confederations Cup 4th place finish coming with a failure to qualify for the African Cup of Nations. A lack of competitive matches in the run up to the tournament means that direct form cannot be easily assessed. Having only scored one goal in seven matches in late 2009 though is a major concern.
To their advantage South Africa do have a very experienced manager guiding them through the tournament. Carlos Alberto Parreria has taken Brazil to World Cup glory in 1994, whilst also taking charge of Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia in 1982, 1990 and 1998 respectively. Hopefully his management can be proved pivotal in creating an atmosphere that is not only intent on winning, but actually does so.
With most of South Africa’s national side playing in the domestic league of South Africa, three men in particular will be focused on to carry their team into the second round of the tournament. South Africa’s captain is Portsmouth’s Aaron Mokoena, the bedrock of the Bafana Bafana defence. His recent play has been questioned, but with 100caps to his name his experience at the back will be vital.
Leading the golden charge to the golden boot which will aid progression from the group is failing Premier League striker Benni McCarthy. The West Ham forward may not have reached the dizzy heights that were consistently expected of him but he is still South Africa’s main hope up front. The country’s highest ever goal-scorer has notched up 31 goals in 78 caps. He will need to find the net a couple more times this summer to help his nation advance.
South Africa do boast one truly world-class player, his name is Steven Pienaar. Another tremendous season at Everton has meant that expectation is high on him to perform this summer. His speed, trickery and great technical ability have turned him into a creator and even a finisher. His form will be the key to their success.
Critics are worried that Group A will prove too difficult a task to overcome for Bafana Bafana, yet realistically, the group is not as hard as it could have been. Admittedly, France, Mexico and Uruguay are all very capable, with talent throughout each side. However, Mexico have looked susceptible at the back and Uruguay only just scraped through qualification. France also used every limb to get to South Africa, looking disorientated along the way. Whether they will be on top form come June is to be seen.
Therefore, it maybe that South Africa have a better chance of progressing from the group than previously thought. In Itumeleng Khune they have a great shot-stopper. Whereas Siboniso Gaxa will be a maverick up and down the right-wing. Kagisho Dikgacoi provides a big physical presence in midfield, whilst Teka Modise contrasts this nicely by possessing classy technical ability. On the opposing wing to Pienaar, Siphiwe Tshabalala provides not only a great name, but an eccentric style, being known for sensational goals and sensational misses. And McCarthy’s partner Bernard Parker has started to add goals to his game.
So all in all, this could be another World Cup where the home nation shocks all but delights every neutral in the world, by advancing into the latter stages of the tournament, spurred on by the glamour that the World Cup brings. For everyone’s sake at the World Cup, let’s hope this is the case, we don’t want the locals to get violent now do we.
Bafana Bafana are not intending to go quietly though with the noise created by home supporters decimals above other European crowds, helped by the sound of the vuvuzela an instrument that FIFA had attempted to ban. It wouldn’t be African football without the vuvuzela and it wouldn’t be African football if the noise bared any resemblance to the action that took place on the field.
Naturally with South Africa hosting the tournament there is no need for them to qualify. If this were the case they certainly would not be partaking, which would be absolute travesty. No doubt they will up their game on home soil and prove the doubters wrong.
Form though has been haphazard for Bafana Bafana with a Confederations Cup 4th place finish coming with a failure to qualify for the African Cup of Nations. A lack of competitive matches in the run up to the tournament means that direct form cannot be easily assessed. Having only scored one goal in seven matches in late 2009 though is a major concern.
To their advantage South Africa do have a very experienced manager guiding them through the tournament. Carlos Alberto Parreria has taken Brazil to World Cup glory in 1994, whilst also taking charge of Kuwait, UAE and Saudi Arabia in 1982, 1990 and 1998 respectively. Hopefully his management can be proved pivotal in creating an atmosphere that is not only intent on winning, but actually does so.
With most of South Africa’s national side playing in the domestic league of South Africa, three men in particular will be focused on to carry their team into the second round of the tournament. South Africa’s captain is Portsmouth’s Aaron Mokoena, the bedrock of the Bafana Bafana defence. His recent play has been questioned, but with 100caps to his name his experience at the back will be vital.
Leading the golden charge to the golden boot which will aid progression from the group is failing Premier League striker Benni McCarthy. The West Ham forward may not have reached the dizzy heights that were consistently expected of him but he is still South Africa’s main hope up front. The country’s highest ever goal-scorer has notched up 31 goals in 78 caps. He will need to find the net a couple more times this summer to help his nation advance.
South Africa do boast one truly world-class player, his name is Steven Pienaar. Another tremendous season at Everton has meant that expectation is high on him to perform this summer. His speed, trickery and great technical ability have turned him into a creator and even a finisher. His form will be the key to their success.
Critics are worried that Group A will prove too difficult a task to overcome for Bafana Bafana, yet realistically, the group is not as hard as it could have been. Admittedly, France, Mexico and Uruguay are all very capable, with talent throughout each side. However, Mexico have looked susceptible at the back and Uruguay only just scraped through qualification. France also used every limb to get to South Africa, looking disorientated along the way. Whether they will be on top form come June is to be seen.
Therefore, it maybe that South Africa have a better chance of progressing from the group than previously thought. In Itumeleng Khune they have a great shot-stopper. Whereas Siboniso Gaxa will be a maverick up and down the right-wing. Kagisho Dikgacoi provides a big physical presence in midfield, whilst Teka Modise contrasts this nicely by possessing classy technical ability. On the opposing wing to Pienaar, Siphiwe Tshabalala provides not only a great name, but an eccentric style, being known for sensational goals and sensational misses. And McCarthy’s partner Bernard Parker has started to add goals to his game.
So all in all, this could be another World Cup where the home nation shocks all but delights every neutral in the world, by advancing into the latter stages of the tournament, spurred on by the glamour that the World Cup brings. For everyone’s sake at the World Cup, let’s hope this is the case, we don’t want the locals to get violent now do we.
Slovenia
Slovenia is the smallest country ever to have qualified for two non-consecutive World Cups. The tiny population of a mere 2million people managed to oust Poland, the Czech Republic and the mighty old-guard that is Russia to book their plane to South Africa this summer. The return flight is booked for not that long after the group stages finish...
Slovenia have no real star names in their squad yet through grit, determination and good old-fashioned team-work they won their last four group games to make the play-offs, behind group winners Slovakia. Slovenia got drawn against Guus Hiddink’s Russia and a 2-1 away loss left them still with much to do in the return home leg. However, a 1-0 Dedic goal in Maribor meant that Slovenia edged through on away goals, making their second World Cup appearance since they were granted independence in 1992.
In Japan and South Korea in 2002 Slovenia lost 3-1 to Spain, 1-0 to South Africa and 3-1 to Paraguay, a dismal campaign. Naturally they will be looking to surpass their total of 2 goals and 0 points, and with an opening match tie against Algeria they have ever opportunity to do so. The remaining games in Group C – England and the USA – pose more tricky tasks. England should comfortably win the group, but the USA is a vastly improved nation and one who is more likely to cause an upset than the Slovenians.
Matjaz Kek has been the manager of Slovenia since January 2007, however he has been involved in the national set-up before this period, having coached the Under-16s previously. This former experience will aid him, having worked with many of the players throughout their early careers. Kek often plays 4-4-2 which is unlike past Slovenian teams, which have opted for more inventive 3-4-1-2 formations.
One of the stars of the Championship for West Bromwich Albion, Robert Koren, will be one of the men looked upon to instil some quality to the starless Slovenian side. Koren plays in the centre of midfield so will have the opportunity to control the game. He will be leaving West Brom this summer, with the club not wishing to exercise a clause in his contract.
One man to look out for is a rising young player who is on the verge of breaking through into the Inter Milan side. Rene Krhin is merely 20, yet with praise from now former manager Jose Mourinho over his personality and ability, is evidentially someone who is technically gifted. He plays on the left for his national side, but may be more comfortable in the centre of the park. His international debut was in a 2-1 friendly loss against Group C opponents England.
Slovenia only let in 4 goals during qualifying – unless you add the two they let in against Russia in the playoffs – so naturally a solid defence will be vital. Brecko, Suler, Cesar and Jokic may not be well known names, yet together they form a tight unit. The right-back Brecko likes to advance further up the field and his crossing ability has created many goals for Slovenia recently.
The two strikers perform well as a pair, with Novankovic being a natural leader to the side as a whole. However, the striker’s refusal to rejoin his club side Koln straight after Slovenia had qualified cost him his captaincy at club level. His partner Dedic has only managed 3 international goals, but his latest was against Russia gaining Slovenia a World Cup appearance, something that will no doubt make him a national legend for a long time to come.
For a nation so small, Slovenia has done exceptionally well. It proves to other countries, such as Scotland, that with the right set-up and good determination a nation that lacks population can still make an impact on the international football scene. On the other hand though, despite qualifying for the tournament, they will not outdo England and the USA, meaning an early trip home is almost inevitable.
Slovenia have no real star names in their squad yet through grit, determination and good old-fashioned team-work they won their last four group games to make the play-offs, behind group winners Slovakia. Slovenia got drawn against Guus Hiddink’s Russia and a 2-1 away loss left them still with much to do in the return home leg. However, a 1-0 Dedic goal in Maribor meant that Slovenia edged through on away goals, making their second World Cup appearance since they were granted independence in 1992.
In Japan and South Korea in 2002 Slovenia lost 3-1 to Spain, 1-0 to South Africa and 3-1 to Paraguay, a dismal campaign. Naturally they will be looking to surpass their total of 2 goals and 0 points, and with an opening match tie against Algeria they have ever opportunity to do so. The remaining games in Group C – England and the USA – pose more tricky tasks. England should comfortably win the group, but the USA is a vastly improved nation and one who is more likely to cause an upset than the Slovenians.
Matjaz Kek has been the manager of Slovenia since January 2007, however he has been involved in the national set-up before this period, having coached the Under-16s previously. This former experience will aid him, having worked with many of the players throughout their early careers. Kek often plays 4-4-2 which is unlike past Slovenian teams, which have opted for more inventive 3-4-1-2 formations.
One of the stars of the Championship for West Bromwich Albion, Robert Koren, will be one of the men looked upon to instil some quality to the starless Slovenian side. Koren plays in the centre of midfield so will have the opportunity to control the game. He will be leaving West Brom this summer, with the club not wishing to exercise a clause in his contract.
One man to look out for is a rising young player who is on the verge of breaking through into the Inter Milan side. Rene Krhin is merely 20, yet with praise from now former manager Jose Mourinho over his personality and ability, is evidentially someone who is technically gifted. He plays on the left for his national side, but may be more comfortable in the centre of the park. His international debut was in a 2-1 friendly loss against Group C opponents England.
Slovenia only let in 4 goals during qualifying – unless you add the two they let in against Russia in the playoffs – so naturally a solid defence will be vital. Brecko, Suler, Cesar and Jokic may not be well known names, yet together they form a tight unit. The right-back Brecko likes to advance further up the field and his crossing ability has created many goals for Slovenia recently.
The two strikers perform well as a pair, with Novankovic being a natural leader to the side as a whole. However, the striker’s refusal to rejoin his club side Koln straight after Slovenia had qualified cost him his captaincy at club level. His partner Dedic has only managed 3 international goals, but his latest was against Russia gaining Slovenia a World Cup appearance, something that will no doubt make him a national legend for a long time to come.
For a nation so small, Slovenia has done exceptionally well. It proves to other countries, such as Scotland, that with the right set-up and good determination a nation that lacks population can still make an impact on the international football scene. On the other hand though, despite qualifying for the tournament, they will not outdo England and the USA, meaning an early trip home is almost inevitable.
Slovakia
Slovakia is another nation who has made it through to the finals technically for the first time, after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia granted them independence in 1993. Slovakia somewhat surprisingly came top of their European qualifying group which contained near neighbours Poland, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. A sweet tasting victory for sure.
Slovakia cruised through qualifying despite losing twice to Slovenia, who then went on to beat Russia in the play-offs before been drawn in Group C with England. Other than that though, the Slovaks were undefeated in the remaining 8 games, only dropping two more points with a home 2-2 draw to the Czech Republic.
Vladimir Weiss is both the manager and one of the players, although one is senior to the other. Manager Weiss Snr controversially selected his son to play for the national side, but Weiss Jnr’s performances did merit a call-up, and his form in qualifying means that he is one of the men to watch out for this summer.
Weiss Jnr plays on the right-wing and his youthful age (20) means that he has plenty of gas to keep his pace going throughout a match. His main concern though is lack of match practice. At Bolton he rarely gets a game, clearly he does not always live up to his true potential, whether he will in South Africa is another big ask.
Fortunately for Weiss Snr, and maybe even Weiss Jnr, there is another youthful midfielder who bares all the burden of a nation wanting success at the World Cup. Marek Hamsik is only 22 but he wears the armband for Slovakia. Currently playing his football for Napoli it is believed that he will go on to bigger and better places after the World Cup. His 8 goals in 30 caps is a decent return for a young midfielder and he will be looking to add to that tally. He is by far the best player Slovakia have, so expect most of the good play to go through him.
At the heart of the defence Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel slips in. A very strong and aggressive defender, yet he has at times been far too easily undone in the Premier League. If Slovakia are to progress in the tournament then he will need to play consistently well against some world-class forwards.
The two men looked upon to score the goals are Stanislav Sestak and Robert Vittek. Sestak was the country’s top goal-scorer in qualifying with 6 goals. Vittek poses the opposite problem. His work-rate is high but no goals in qualifying did not aid his already dwindling goals/caps ratio (18/69) which is a slight worry.
Slovakia has been fortunate in their group draw in the World Cup. Italy obviously may be a hurdle too much, but minnows New Zealand are beatable. If they weren’t, Slovakia may as well pack their bags now. However, as long as they do not lose to New Zealand, a straight fight against Paraguay should decide who goes into the last 16 in second place in Group F.
Having said all this, with little international star names, or quality, to their side Slovakia has done remarkable merely to qualify for the World Cup. New Zealand, inspired by the atmosphere the World Cup brings, will no doubt provide a harder task than the Slovaks expect. Paraguay also have been impressive in their qualifying and so I would fully expect to see Gerardo Martino’s men beat Weiss’. However, Slovakia have much to be proud of and if they do make the last 16, expect to see wild celebrations in Bratislava.
Slovakia cruised through qualifying despite losing twice to Slovenia, who then went on to beat Russia in the play-offs before been drawn in Group C with England. Other than that though, the Slovaks were undefeated in the remaining 8 games, only dropping two more points with a home 2-2 draw to the Czech Republic.
Vladimir Weiss is both the manager and one of the players, although one is senior to the other. Manager Weiss Snr controversially selected his son to play for the national side, but Weiss Jnr’s performances did merit a call-up, and his form in qualifying means that he is one of the men to watch out for this summer.
Weiss Jnr plays on the right-wing and his youthful age (20) means that he has plenty of gas to keep his pace going throughout a match. His main concern though is lack of match practice. At Bolton he rarely gets a game, clearly he does not always live up to his true potential, whether he will in South Africa is another big ask.
Fortunately for Weiss Snr, and maybe even Weiss Jnr, there is another youthful midfielder who bares all the burden of a nation wanting success at the World Cup. Marek Hamsik is only 22 but he wears the armband for Slovakia. Currently playing his football for Napoli it is believed that he will go on to bigger and better places after the World Cup. His 8 goals in 30 caps is a decent return for a young midfielder and he will be looking to add to that tally. He is by far the best player Slovakia have, so expect most of the good play to go through him.
At the heart of the defence Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel slips in. A very strong and aggressive defender, yet he has at times been far too easily undone in the Premier League. If Slovakia are to progress in the tournament then he will need to play consistently well against some world-class forwards.
The two men looked upon to score the goals are Stanislav Sestak and Robert Vittek. Sestak was the country’s top goal-scorer in qualifying with 6 goals. Vittek poses the opposite problem. His work-rate is high but no goals in qualifying did not aid his already dwindling goals/caps ratio (18/69) which is a slight worry.
Slovakia has been fortunate in their group draw in the World Cup. Italy obviously may be a hurdle too much, but minnows New Zealand are beatable. If they weren’t, Slovakia may as well pack their bags now. However, as long as they do not lose to New Zealand, a straight fight against Paraguay should decide who goes into the last 16 in second place in Group F.
Having said all this, with little international star names, or quality, to their side Slovakia has done remarkable merely to qualify for the World Cup. New Zealand, inspired by the atmosphere the World Cup brings, will no doubt provide a harder task than the Slovaks expect. Paraguay also have been impressive in their qualifying and so I would fully expect to see Gerardo Martino’s men beat Weiss’. However, Slovakia have much to be proud of and if they do make the last 16, expect to see wild celebrations in Bratislava.
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Serbia
Yugoslavia, Serbia and Montengro and now simply Serbia, this is the first time technically that Serbia, as a single nation, has qualified for the World Cup. Yet, talisman Dejan Stankovic has appeared in the finals under all three. Serbia though qualified in style, with consistency being the key, knocking France off their perch to book a place in South Africa 2010.
Serbia did lose away at France and could only muster a draw against a French side that had been reduced to 10men early on, yet they were faultless throughout the rest of their qualifying campaign (apart from a 2-1 loss to Lithuania after they had already topped the group). Qualification was secured with a 5-0 thrashing of Romania.
The manager Raddy Antic is the only person ever to manage all three of the big three in Spain, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona. He has instilled a unity amongst the squad, something which at times they had lacked in previous campaigns, like when Sava Milosevic had a training ground incident with Kezman and Vidic – three people I would never get into an incident with...
However, with the players now totally focused on the game in hand, the team has been able to play some rather attractive attacking football, earning them the reputation of dark horses at this year’s World Cup.
Naturally, when thinking about a nation such as Serbia, connotations of fierce tackling, shaven headed, aggressive defenders spring to mind, and the Beli Orlovi’s (white eagles) do not disappoint. Nemanja Vidic is quite simply, a nutter. He attacks everything, fears nobody and loves a tough tackle, attributes that have made him a world-class centre-back.
For Manchester United he has been instrumental, for Serbia he is the keystone that holds the bridge up on the strength of his own two shoulder-blades. In qualifying for the 2006 World Cup Serbia and Montenegro conceded one goal in 10 games with him playing. In the finals when he was injured, they leaked 10 in 3 games. Vidic is Serbia.
If you thought facing him was bad enough, Serbia have Ivanovic there also. As well as his defensive capabilities the Chelsea man also scored 3 goals in qualifying. Set pieces are something Serbia are exceedingly good at, conceding from only 1 in qualifying, yet scoring from 8. Vidic’s defensive partner shall be Aleksander Lukovic, another man who thrives on a strong tackle.
Unusually though for a team of the modern era, Serbia do not play with a holding midfield player. Captain and current Inter Milan legend, Dejan Stankovic, shares the defensive and attacking role with Wolves’ Nenad Milijas. They work as a pair, if one goes, the other stays, and vice versa, but then with such solid defenders, why would you need a holding midfielder?
Antic believes in playing creative, attacking football and so two people to keep an eye on in South Africa are the two wingers, Milos Krasic and Milan Jovanovic. Kraisic plays on the right-wing and was voted Serbia’s player of the year in 2009. Jovanovic plays on the left and was the top scorer in qualifiers with 5 goals in 8 games. Both are highly rated, so much so Liverpool have snapped up Jovanovic before the World Cup has begun.
To complete the outfield team, Pantelic and Zigic play up top. There are concerns over Pantelic’s ability at international level, yet no doubt he will silence his critics at the finals. Zigic is Serbia’s Peter Crouch. All 6ft 7½inches of him provide the perfect target for longballs, if the team has to resort to that tactic. However, his team work rate also provides opportunities for others around him.
The wink link may be the keeper. Stojkovic technically plays for Wigan Athletic, but I say technically because he doesn’t really get a game, as Kirkland has the number 1 jersey. Despite this he is Antic’s firm choice keeper, but then he got Serbia into the World Cup, so no doubt he be looking to keep them there for as long as possible.
Serbia have been unfortunate, landing in the only group in the World Cup that is full of teams who finished top of their respective qualifying groups. Many people expect Ghana to provide a shock and Australia have often performed well previously in tournaments. And after that there is also a German side who, although look poor on paper (by their standards), generally outdo themselves in World competitions.
Serbia do have quality throughout their side. The midfield, strike force and defence all possess elements of the world class, yet whether they can hold it all together to negotiate a difficult group is another matter. If they do come second in Group D, a horrifying match against England will no doubt await. A fait more horrifying for the English than the Serbs. Let’s just hope it does not come to that.
Serbia did lose away at France and could only muster a draw against a French side that had been reduced to 10men early on, yet they were faultless throughout the rest of their qualifying campaign (apart from a 2-1 loss to Lithuania after they had already topped the group). Qualification was secured with a 5-0 thrashing of Romania.
The manager Raddy Antic is the only person ever to manage all three of the big three in Spain, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and Barcelona. He has instilled a unity amongst the squad, something which at times they had lacked in previous campaigns, like when Sava Milosevic had a training ground incident with Kezman and Vidic – three people I would never get into an incident with...
However, with the players now totally focused on the game in hand, the team has been able to play some rather attractive attacking football, earning them the reputation of dark horses at this year’s World Cup.
Naturally, when thinking about a nation such as Serbia, connotations of fierce tackling, shaven headed, aggressive defenders spring to mind, and the Beli Orlovi’s (white eagles) do not disappoint. Nemanja Vidic is quite simply, a nutter. He attacks everything, fears nobody and loves a tough tackle, attributes that have made him a world-class centre-back.
For Manchester United he has been instrumental, for Serbia he is the keystone that holds the bridge up on the strength of his own two shoulder-blades. In qualifying for the 2006 World Cup Serbia and Montenegro conceded one goal in 10 games with him playing. In the finals when he was injured, they leaked 10 in 3 games. Vidic is Serbia.
If you thought facing him was bad enough, Serbia have Ivanovic there also. As well as his defensive capabilities the Chelsea man also scored 3 goals in qualifying. Set pieces are something Serbia are exceedingly good at, conceding from only 1 in qualifying, yet scoring from 8. Vidic’s defensive partner shall be Aleksander Lukovic, another man who thrives on a strong tackle.
Unusually though for a team of the modern era, Serbia do not play with a holding midfield player. Captain and current Inter Milan legend, Dejan Stankovic, shares the defensive and attacking role with Wolves’ Nenad Milijas. They work as a pair, if one goes, the other stays, and vice versa, but then with such solid defenders, why would you need a holding midfielder?
Antic believes in playing creative, attacking football and so two people to keep an eye on in South Africa are the two wingers, Milos Krasic and Milan Jovanovic. Kraisic plays on the right-wing and was voted Serbia’s player of the year in 2009. Jovanovic plays on the left and was the top scorer in qualifiers with 5 goals in 8 games. Both are highly rated, so much so Liverpool have snapped up Jovanovic before the World Cup has begun.
To complete the outfield team, Pantelic and Zigic play up top. There are concerns over Pantelic’s ability at international level, yet no doubt he will silence his critics at the finals. Zigic is Serbia’s Peter Crouch. All 6ft 7½inches of him provide the perfect target for longballs, if the team has to resort to that tactic. However, his team work rate also provides opportunities for others around him.
The wink link may be the keeper. Stojkovic technically plays for Wigan Athletic, but I say technically because he doesn’t really get a game, as Kirkland has the number 1 jersey. Despite this he is Antic’s firm choice keeper, but then he got Serbia into the World Cup, so no doubt he be looking to keep them there for as long as possible.
Serbia have been unfortunate, landing in the only group in the World Cup that is full of teams who finished top of their respective qualifying groups. Many people expect Ghana to provide a shock and Australia have often performed well previously in tournaments. And after that there is also a German side who, although look poor on paper (by their standards), generally outdo themselves in World competitions.
Serbia do have quality throughout their side. The midfield, strike force and defence all possess elements of the world class, yet whether they can hold it all together to negotiate a difficult group is another matter. If they do come second in Group D, a horrifying match against England will no doubt await. A fait more horrifying for the English than the Serbs. Let’s just hope it does not come to that.
Portugal
Second only to France as the most hated team at the World Cup, Portugal set out to overturn a dismal qualifying campaign to once again reassert their worldwide prowess. Naturally this hatred stems from jealousy, England have been knocked out by Portugal in the quarterfinals of the last two competitions they have qualified for – 2004 and 2006 – and in 2002, they got beaten in the quarters by Brazil, a nation who many of the current Portuguese squad are controversially from.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s previous assistant Carlos Queiroz is the man in charge of Portugal and his popularity is not high amongst the Portuguese supporters. Only 1 win in the first 5 qualifiers left Portugal on the brink of embarrassment, and Queiroz took his fair share of the flack. However, a last minute winner by Bruno Alves in Albania created some momentum.
Portugal snuck into second place behind Denmark, squeezing past Sweden into the play-offs where they were drawn against Bosnia and Herzegovina. 1-0 home and away does not show much of a beating, but they did comfortably outplay their eastern opponents.
One potential worry, apart from the group they have been drawn in, is that main man Cristiano Ronaldo failed to even score in qualifying. Anyone who can remember his glory days at Manchester United may have noticed that he tends to overcomplicate things in big matches, trying so hard to create something glorious, he forgets to simply run at his opponents. Also, he does get surrounded by three men as soon as the ball reaches his wondrous feet.
Come the start of the tournament though and no doubt Ronaldo will be back to his same eye-winking, greasy self. Although, he is not the only attacking option they have, usually adopting a 4-3-3 formation. Nani is finally coming into his own at Manchester United and it is hoped he will carry this form into the finals.
In the middle of the front three is one of the Brazilians. Liedson’s years of residency in Portugal means he has finally achieved national citizenship, much to the annoyance of some in the country. However, his 3 goals in 7 caps has done a little to quieten the critics. Expect him to be among the scorers in South Africa.
Behind these three lightning players, Deco and Raul Meireles will conduct. Deco being the creative playmaker, whilst Meireles is more akin to playing a typical box-to-box midfielder role. Expect these two to be running the games, competitive but inventive when on the ball.
One of the most expensive defenders in the world, Pepe, will sit in front of the back four, providing a domineering force in midfield. The Real Madrid star is another man born in Brazil but his doubts remain only in fitness, having picked up a knee injury in the second half of the season.
The back four go on to show the class that Portugal possess, with Paulo Ferreira, Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho and Miguel providing a world-class defensive line. Expect Carvalho especially to be a commanding force, organising his defence and generally keeping goals to a minimum.
Unfortunately for the Seleccao das Quinas, their poor form in qualifying meant that they did not make one of the seeded sides when the groups were made in December. Due to this they were always likely to find themselves in a group with one good side, however, for the Ivory Coast to land in that group also was extremely unfortunate, as Group G became the “Group of Death”.
Brazil may prove too good an opponent, yet the Ivory Coast are beatable, meaning the Portuguese’s first game in the tournament against the Elephants, is probably the pivotal one. If a draw occurs, the outcome may well possibly be decided on goal difference, so good luck to North Korea.
Portugal clearly have the talent, some of their players are the best in the world at what they do. Yet, their performance in qualifying was less than inspiring. Their group in South Africa is hard, but they will probably progress over the Ivory Coast. Portugal’s main problem though, is that their players are all exceptionally talented individuals. The skills, the tricks and the flicks all look good, but the lack of team players may well cost them. They will look to individuals to provide moments of inspiration in every game. A task surely too tall if they want to win every game in the finals.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s previous assistant Carlos Queiroz is the man in charge of Portugal and his popularity is not high amongst the Portuguese supporters. Only 1 win in the first 5 qualifiers left Portugal on the brink of embarrassment, and Queiroz took his fair share of the flack. However, a last minute winner by Bruno Alves in Albania created some momentum.
Portugal snuck into second place behind Denmark, squeezing past Sweden into the play-offs where they were drawn against Bosnia and Herzegovina. 1-0 home and away does not show much of a beating, but they did comfortably outplay their eastern opponents.
One potential worry, apart from the group they have been drawn in, is that main man Cristiano Ronaldo failed to even score in qualifying. Anyone who can remember his glory days at Manchester United may have noticed that he tends to overcomplicate things in big matches, trying so hard to create something glorious, he forgets to simply run at his opponents. Also, he does get surrounded by three men as soon as the ball reaches his wondrous feet.
Come the start of the tournament though and no doubt Ronaldo will be back to his same eye-winking, greasy self. Although, he is not the only attacking option they have, usually adopting a 4-3-3 formation. Nani is finally coming into his own at Manchester United and it is hoped he will carry this form into the finals.
In the middle of the front three is one of the Brazilians. Liedson’s years of residency in Portugal means he has finally achieved national citizenship, much to the annoyance of some in the country. However, his 3 goals in 7 caps has done a little to quieten the critics. Expect him to be among the scorers in South Africa.
Behind these three lightning players, Deco and Raul Meireles will conduct. Deco being the creative playmaker, whilst Meireles is more akin to playing a typical box-to-box midfielder role. Expect these two to be running the games, competitive but inventive when on the ball.
One of the most expensive defenders in the world, Pepe, will sit in front of the back four, providing a domineering force in midfield. The Real Madrid star is another man born in Brazil but his doubts remain only in fitness, having picked up a knee injury in the second half of the season.
The back four go on to show the class that Portugal possess, with Paulo Ferreira, Bruno Alves, Ricardo Carvalho and Miguel providing a world-class defensive line. Expect Carvalho especially to be a commanding force, organising his defence and generally keeping goals to a minimum.
Unfortunately for the Seleccao das Quinas, their poor form in qualifying meant that they did not make one of the seeded sides when the groups were made in December. Due to this they were always likely to find themselves in a group with one good side, however, for the Ivory Coast to land in that group also was extremely unfortunate, as Group G became the “Group of Death”.
Brazil may prove too good an opponent, yet the Ivory Coast are beatable, meaning the Portuguese’s first game in the tournament against the Elephants, is probably the pivotal one. If a draw occurs, the outcome may well possibly be decided on goal difference, so good luck to North Korea.
Portugal clearly have the talent, some of their players are the best in the world at what they do. Yet, their performance in qualifying was less than inspiring. Their group in South Africa is hard, but they will probably progress over the Ivory Coast. Portugal’s main problem though, is that their players are all exceptionally talented individuals. The skills, the tricks and the flicks all look good, but the lack of team players may well cost them. They will look to individuals to provide moments of inspiration in every game. A task surely too tall if they want to win every game in the finals.
Paraguay
When the national team of Paraguay comes up in conversation, there is only one man worth talking about, Jose Luis Chilavert. The goalkeeper with a bulldog imprinted across his chest was a deadball specialist, and never as a 10year old boy whilst watching France 98 did I ever get more excited than when he came striding up the pitch to take a freekick. It replicas the feeling of when a team is losing by a goal in the last minute of the game and the keeper comes up for a corner, the sheer madness is exuberating.
However, those magical days are now over, but a new influx of talent has embraced the challenge of international football. The Guaranies took the South American World Cup qualifying campaign by storm, racing to 13 points from 5 games, beating both Chile and Brazil. They did appear to stutter towards the latter stages, however, they notched up their biggest ever points total, finishing 3rd, one point behind the top placed Brazil.
Argentinian manager Gerardo Martino has his team well set-up, with a versatile defence. The side only conceded 16 goals in qualifying, the second lowest of the South American sides. They may play four at the back, or go for a flat back three, either way they are more than competent.
Despite having a strong defence, it is Paraguay’s strikers that have made all the headlines. Their top scoring forward in qualifying Salvador Cabanas got shot in the head in Mexico City back in January. The bullet remains in his skull and despite his protestations to play, doctors have informed Cabanas that it would be too dangerous.
This unfortunate occurrence has however not left La Albirroja without a top class striker, as Borussia Dortmund’s Nelson Haedo Valdez is still available. His strike rate of 9 goals in 38 caps needs a little improvement, but he was the second top goalscorer for the team in qualifying with 5 goals so his form may be on the up.
Along with Haedo Valdez Paraguay boast the use of Roque Santa Cruz. The Premier League has seen a mixture of performances from the lanky striker, yet his class is unquestionable. The fact that he is warming the bench now-a-days says more about Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy then it does about the hot and cold Paraguayan.
Paraguay have landed a favourable draw in South Africa, in a very progressible Group F. Italy are the seeded side in the group and should cruise through. Although, Paraguay have beaten Brazil and Argentina in qualifying and so should not be underestimated. Slovakia and New Zealand are the other opponents and so I would fully expect to see them advance to the last 16.
This is the fourth consecutive finals Paraguay have been involved in. In 2006 they failed to make it out of England’s group, but in 98 and 2002 they progressed to the last 16. Having never been past this point, the South Americans will be looking to advance to the quarterfinals, yet a last 16 match against the Netherlands is likely and so their tournament may well once again end there.
Paraguay have a very capable side and could be one of the teams that causes an upset in South Africa. The new generation of players have a lot to live up to but with the likes of Santa Cruz and Cristian Riveros they have the potential to do well. Whether or not they will be able to recreate the magic of 74 caps and 8 goals that Chilavert brought is another matter, but then again, even Emile Heskey’s 58 caps and 7 goals cannot do that.
However, those magical days are now over, but a new influx of talent has embraced the challenge of international football. The Guaranies took the South American World Cup qualifying campaign by storm, racing to 13 points from 5 games, beating both Chile and Brazil. They did appear to stutter towards the latter stages, however, they notched up their biggest ever points total, finishing 3rd, one point behind the top placed Brazil.
Argentinian manager Gerardo Martino has his team well set-up, with a versatile defence. The side only conceded 16 goals in qualifying, the second lowest of the South American sides. They may play four at the back, or go for a flat back three, either way they are more than competent.
Despite having a strong defence, it is Paraguay’s strikers that have made all the headlines. Their top scoring forward in qualifying Salvador Cabanas got shot in the head in Mexico City back in January. The bullet remains in his skull and despite his protestations to play, doctors have informed Cabanas that it would be too dangerous.
This unfortunate occurrence has however not left La Albirroja without a top class striker, as Borussia Dortmund’s Nelson Haedo Valdez is still available. His strike rate of 9 goals in 38 caps needs a little improvement, but he was the second top goalscorer for the team in qualifying with 5 goals so his form may be on the up.
Along with Haedo Valdez Paraguay boast the use of Roque Santa Cruz. The Premier League has seen a mixture of performances from the lanky striker, yet his class is unquestionable. The fact that he is warming the bench now-a-days says more about Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy then it does about the hot and cold Paraguayan.
Paraguay have landed a favourable draw in South Africa, in a very progressible Group F. Italy are the seeded side in the group and should cruise through. Although, Paraguay have beaten Brazil and Argentina in qualifying and so should not be underestimated. Slovakia and New Zealand are the other opponents and so I would fully expect to see them advance to the last 16.
This is the fourth consecutive finals Paraguay have been involved in. In 2006 they failed to make it out of England’s group, but in 98 and 2002 they progressed to the last 16. Having never been past this point, the South Americans will be looking to advance to the quarterfinals, yet a last 16 match against the Netherlands is likely and so their tournament may well once again end there.
Paraguay have a very capable side and could be one of the teams that causes an upset in South Africa. The new generation of players have a lot to live up to but with the likes of Santa Cruz and Cristian Riveros they have the potential to do well. Whether or not they will be able to recreate the magic of 74 caps and 8 goals that Chilavert brought is another matter, but then again, even Emile Heskey’s 58 caps and 7 goals cannot do that.
Tuesday 1 June 2010
North Korea
North Korea. As far as players, tactics and the manager are concerned, it is hard to find any real conclusive evidence on who is in fact going to turn up for this most secretive of nations. I can tell you however, that they play in either a red strip or a white one. I also find the fact that they have been labelled the “underdogs” rather ironic, it does however certainly go a long way to proving the phrase ‘you are what you eat’.
North Korea qualified for only their second ever World Cup on the last day of qualifying thanks to a 0-0 draw away at Saudi Arabia, with South Korea holding Iran to a 1-1 draw. This meant that they came second in the group on goal difference, pipping Saudi Arabia to that all elusive World Cup slot. Over 14 games they had scored 11 goals, but their impressive defensive record proved enough, conceding only 5.
Joking aside, most of their players play their football in the North Korean national league meaning that evidence about their football technique is hard to come by. However, one player can be seen in Europe, striker Hong Yong-jo for Russian club Rostov. Probably due to the fact that analysts can find information on him more than anything else, he has been dubbed Korea DPR’s main hope of success. In fairness though, he did score 4 goals in the qualifying campaign, so hopefully he can put one away in South Africa.
In 1966 North Korea stunned the World by making it through to the quarterfinals of the competition after a 1-0 victory over Italy saw them progress to that stage. Even more astounding was the fact that they went 3-0 up against Portugal, only to see Eusebio score 4 to send Portugal through to the semi-finals, 5-3 the eventual score. To see them cause so much upset this year would be sensational.
North Korea are the unlucky participants in the “Group of Death”, Group G. Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast all await the men from Asia. The Choilima are basically just making up the numbers this year. If they score a goal it will be a miracle, if they earn a point a nuclear war may even be averted. If they progressed to the next round a nuclear war may have already started, with the first three targets being Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast.
Manager Kim Jong-hun will likely adopt a very defensive formation. That suits their natural style apparently, but then again, what other option would they have in South Africa? Expect to see all 11 men behind the ball, harassing the opposition, tenacious like their Southern counterparts, some may even say dogged.
The men from North Korea have done brilliant to make it to South Africa and will no doubt enjoy their time there. The experience of playing against such top class opposition – the likes of Kaka, Ronaldo and Drogba – is a memory that nobody is ever going to be able to take away from them. Unfortunately, none of their homeland is ever going to read about on the internet. They will watch the games on screens though, just not live.
Come the end of the group stages they will be going home, yet many of their names may be more common upon the tongue. For once, North Korea are going to be the team that everyone wants to win, but realistically, they have as much chance as Ronaldo turning up without doing his hair. But what do they expect, it’s a dog eat dog world.
North Korea qualified for only their second ever World Cup on the last day of qualifying thanks to a 0-0 draw away at Saudi Arabia, with South Korea holding Iran to a 1-1 draw. This meant that they came second in the group on goal difference, pipping Saudi Arabia to that all elusive World Cup slot. Over 14 games they had scored 11 goals, but their impressive defensive record proved enough, conceding only 5.
Joking aside, most of their players play their football in the North Korean national league meaning that evidence about their football technique is hard to come by. However, one player can be seen in Europe, striker Hong Yong-jo for Russian club Rostov. Probably due to the fact that analysts can find information on him more than anything else, he has been dubbed Korea DPR’s main hope of success. In fairness though, he did score 4 goals in the qualifying campaign, so hopefully he can put one away in South Africa.
In 1966 North Korea stunned the World by making it through to the quarterfinals of the competition after a 1-0 victory over Italy saw them progress to that stage. Even more astounding was the fact that they went 3-0 up against Portugal, only to see Eusebio score 4 to send Portugal through to the semi-finals, 5-3 the eventual score. To see them cause so much upset this year would be sensational.
North Korea are the unlucky participants in the “Group of Death”, Group G. Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast all await the men from Asia. The Choilima are basically just making up the numbers this year. If they score a goal it will be a miracle, if they earn a point a nuclear war may even be averted. If they progressed to the next round a nuclear war may have already started, with the first three targets being Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast.
Manager Kim Jong-hun will likely adopt a very defensive formation. That suits their natural style apparently, but then again, what other option would they have in South Africa? Expect to see all 11 men behind the ball, harassing the opposition, tenacious like their Southern counterparts, some may even say dogged.
The men from North Korea have done brilliant to make it to South Africa and will no doubt enjoy their time there. The experience of playing against such top class opposition – the likes of Kaka, Ronaldo and Drogba – is a memory that nobody is ever going to be able to take away from them. Unfortunately, none of their homeland is ever going to read about on the internet. They will watch the games on screens though, just not live.
Come the end of the group stages they will be going home, yet many of their names may be more common upon the tongue. For once, North Korea are going to be the team that everyone wants to win, but realistically, they have as much chance as Ronaldo turning up without doing his hair. But what do they expect, it’s a dog eat dog world.
Nigeria
Apparently, a staggering one in every six Africans is Nigerian, giving the Super Eagles a vast amount of men to choose from when picking the national side. Of course, as China shows us, in football population does not always guarantee success. However, with so many players to choose from the last thing you would want to do is sack your manager right before the World Cup.
Indicative to African football though, the Super Eagles joined their West African counter-parts – the Ivory Coast – in seeing fit to do just that after their African Cup of Nations ended in dismal failure. Nigeria finished 3rd.
Previous coach Shaibu Amodu can count himself unlucky, yet also possibly a little bit foolish. Amodu led Nigeria through qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, only to see him get sacked after a poor African Cup of Nations. In 2010 déjà vu has occurred. I think he can consider himself rather unfortunate, another innocent victim to a reckless African football association.
His replacement is ex-Sweden coach Lars Lagerback. Lagerback steered Sweden into 5 consecutive World Cups and European Championships so his credentials are high. The Swed will have only 3 weeks to prepare his squad and so changes from the side that performed poor at the African Cup of Nations can only be minimal, as he won’t know who is worth bringing in, making the sacking of Amodu even more bewildering.
One thing is clear about the Nigerian side, they have physical presence. The Super Eagles have a wealth of somewhat sturdy players whose preferred route to goal would be a bulldozer technique. This is epitomised by the fact that John Obi Mikel is seen as their “in the hole” playmaker. The Chelsea star is undoubtedly talented, but he is more renowned for his tough tackling than creative flair.
The strikers have about as much appeal to stylish football as David James has to good haircuts, not that I would ever say that to their faces even in an open light shopping centre, let alone a dark ally. Yakubu and Obafemi Martins are two massive frontmen. Both can score exceptional goals, expect them to give the opposition defence an extremely physical game.
Commanding the field from the back is probably one of the most underrated centre-backs in the Premier League, Everton’s Joseph Yobo. Yobo has been a key figure in Everton’s recent success in the Premier League and should perform well for his nation. In South Africa he may be partnered by Bolton’s Danny Shittu who also is reasonable capable, and physical.
One to watch in the Nigerian side is left winger Peter Obemwingie. The Lokomotiv Moscow was one of the few to play the whole of the latter stages of the African World Cup qualifying, netting 2 goals in his campaign. He will also be looked upon to provide good service for the front two.
Nigeria have been presented with a relatively easy group, in the form of Group B, in South Africa. Argentina, who they face in the group stages for the 3rd time in 4 World Cup appearances (losing 2-1 in 1994 and losing 1-0 in 2002), will expect to top the group. However, Maradona’s erratic style to management may leave them more susceptible to a bullying.
The other two teams are South Korea and Greece, two very hard working nations who will give little to their opponents, yet both very beatable. If Nigeria do progress to the last 16 they will play a nation from Group A. France would probably have no problems dismissing them at this stage, and even a raring South Africa would probably outdo them. However, if Argentina do get topped and Uruguay or Mexico come up against the Super Eagles, there is a slight chance of a quarterfinal appearance for Africa’s biggest underachievers.
Nigeria have a competitive first eleven. Legend that is Kanu may appear frequently off the bench, but realistically his days in the sun are over. The old Nigeria we use to know and love with Jay-Jay Okocha and Celestine Babayaro are long gone. Flair has turned to power. Yet, this lack of creative ability could be their downfall, especially against well organised teams. So it looks like Africa may have to look to another country to fly the African flag after the group stages.
Indicative to African football though, the Super Eagles joined their West African counter-parts – the Ivory Coast – in seeing fit to do just that after their African Cup of Nations ended in dismal failure. Nigeria finished 3rd.
Previous coach Shaibu Amodu can count himself unlucky, yet also possibly a little bit foolish. Amodu led Nigeria through qualifying for the 2002 World Cup, only to see him get sacked after a poor African Cup of Nations. In 2010 déjà vu has occurred. I think he can consider himself rather unfortunate, another innocent victim to a reckless African football association.
His replacement is ex-Sweden coach Lars Lagerback. Lagerback steered Sweden into 5 consecutive World Cups and European Championships so his credentials are high. The Swed will have only 3 weeks to prepare his squad and so changes from the side that performed poor at the African Cup of Nations can only be minimal, as he won’t know who is worth bringing in, making the sacking of Amodu even more bewildering.
One thing is clear about the Nigerian side, they have physical presence. The Super Eagles have a wealth of somewhat sturdy players whose preferred route to goal would be a bulldozer technique. This is epitomised by the fact that John Obi Mikel is seen as their “in the hole” playmaker. The Chelsea star is undoubtedly talented, but he is more renowned for his tough tackling than creative flair.
The strikers have about as much appeal to stylish football as David James has to good haircuts, not that I would ever say that to their faces even in an open light shopping centre, let alone a dark ally. Yakubu and Obafemi Martins are two massive frontmen. Both can score exceptional goals, expect them to give the opposition defence an extremely physical game.
Commanding the field from the back is probably one of the most underrated centre-backs in the Premier League, Everton’s Joseph Yobo. Yobo has been a key figure in Everton’s recent success in the Premier League and should perform well for his nation. In South Africa he may be partnered by Bolton’s Danny Shittu who also is reasonable capable, and physical.
One to watch in the Nigerian side is left winger Peter Obemwingie. The Lokomotiv Moscow was one of the few to play the whole of the latter stages of the African World Cup qualifying, netting 2 goals in his campaign. He will also be looked upon to provide good service for the front two.
Nigeria have been presented with a relatively easy group, in the form of Group B, in South Africa. Argentina, who they face in the group stages for the 3rd time in 4 World Cup appearances (losing 2-1 in 1994 and losing 1-0 in 2002), will expect to top the group. However, Maradona’s erratic style to management may leave them more susceptible to a bullying.
The other two teams are South Korea and Greece, two very hard working nations who will give little to their opponents, yet both very beatable. If Nigeria do progress to the last 16 they will play a nation from Group A. France would probably have no problems dismissing them at this stage, and even a raring South Africa would probably outdo them. However, if Argentina do get topped and Uruguay or Mexico come up against the Super Eagles, there is a slight chance of a quarterfinal appearance for Africa’s biggest underachievers.
Nigeria have a competitive first eleven. Legend that is Kanu may appear frequently off the bench, but realistically his days in the sun are over. The old Nigeria we use to know and love with Jay-Jay Okocha and Celestine Babayaro are long gone. Flair has turned to power. Yet, this lack of creative ability could be their downfall, especially against well organised teams. So it looks like Africa may have to look to another country to fly the African flag after the group stages.
New Zealand
When you think of New Zealand, you think of the All Blacks. One of, if not the best rugby team in the World. Maybe your thoughts will slip to Lord of the Rings, the scenery, the mountains, the little hobbits trying to find their way to Mordor, or the fortress that is Helms Deep. Football comes way down the list, after Kiwis, bungee jumping and sheep...
However, with Australia deciding to qualify through the Asian Federation, New Zealand had a clear path to at least the play-offs. The All Whites topped the four team group, fending off Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu. This gave them a play-off against Bahrain to reach South Africa. A 0-0 draw away and a 1-0 win at home, thanks to a Rory Fallon goal and Mark Paston saving a penalty, sent the biggest New Zealand football crowd ever, into wild celebrations.
New Zealand have once before made the World Cup finals. They lost all three games in Spain 82, losing to Brazil (4-0), the Soviet (3-0) and Scotland (5-2). These two goals against Scotland are the only goals New Zealand have ever scored in the World Cup, Steve Sumner and Steve Wooddin the national heroes.
Manager Ricki Herbert was part of the national side in 82 and that experience will no doubt have given the players he manages inspiration. With the national side having so few games, only one in 2005, Herbert also manages the only professional club side in New Zealand Wellington Phoenix. They play their games in the Australian A-League and reached the Australian league finals for the first time under Herbert.
Five players play under Herbert in both teams. The keeper Mark Paston, defenders Tony Lochhead and Ben Sigmund, and midfielders Leo Bertos and Tim Brown. This continuity should hopefully aid the national side come summer, having played together all season.
Two familiar names play upfront for the All Whites. Rory Fallon plays for Plymouth Argyle whilst his strike partner Chris Killen plays for Middlesbrough. Playing off the front two Shane Smeltz will attempt to link the midfield with the forwards, in order not to leave them stranded.
However, the most recognisable player in the New Zealand squad is captain and Blackburn Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen. Expect the aggressive Kiwi defender to act as a sweeper in a 5 man defence. Whether his deniable talent can prevent any goals being leaked is a sceptical conclusion.
New Zealand have been drawn in Group F with Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia. Italy should easily push their Oceania opponents aside, ever though they are generally slow starters. Paraguay and Slovakia may provide some opportunity for success, but with their extremely defensive set-up, success in this case is likely to be a 0-0 draw. On this basis New Zealand may be not that exciting to watch, unless you like stern defending, however, score one and the ship is likely to sink.
Many believe that New Zealand will struggle to emulate their achievements in Spain in 82, this time round they probably won’t even score a goal. However, if Nelsen can inspire his teammates the world could witness the biggest ever celebration to a 0-0 draw...
However, with Australia deciding to qualify through the Asian Federation, New Zealand had a clear path to at least the play-offs. The All Whites topped the four team group, fending off Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu. This gave them a play-off against Bahrain to reach South Africa. A 0-0 draw away and a 1-0 win at home, thanks to a Rory Fallon goal and Mark Paston saving a penalty, sent the biggest New Zealand football crowd ever, into wild celebrations.
New Zealand have once before made the World Cup finals. They lost all three games in Spain 82, losing to Brazil (4-0), the Soviet (3-0) and Scotland (5-2). These two goals against Scotland are the only goals New Zealand have ever scored in the World Cup, Steve Sumner and Steve Wooddin the national heroes.
Manager Ricki Herbert was part of the national side in 82 and that experience will no doubt have given the players he manages inspiration. With the national side having so few games, only one in 2005, Herbert also manages the only professional club side in New Zealand Wellington Phoenix. They play their games in the Australian A-League and reached the Australian league finals for the first time under Herbert.
Five players play under Herbert in both teams. The keeper Mark Paston, defenders Tony Lochhead and Ben Sigmund, and midfielders Leo Bertos and Tim Brown. This continuity should hopefully aid the national side come summer, having played together all season.
Two familiar names play upfront for the All Whites. Rory Fallon plays for Plymouth Argyle whilst his strike partner Chris Killen plays for Middlesbrough. Playing off the front two Shane Smeltz will attempt to link the midfield with the forwards, in order not to leave them stranded.
However, the most recognisable player in the New Zealand squad is captain and Blackburn Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen. Expect the aggressive Kiwi defender to act as a sweeper in a 5 man defence. Whether his deniable talent can prevent any goals being leaked is a sceptical conclusion.
New Zealand have been drawn in Group F with Italy, Paraguay and Slovakia. Italy should easily push their Oceania opponents aside, ever though they are generally slow starters. Paraguay and Slovakia may provide some opportunity for success, but with their extremely defensive set-up, success in this case is likely to be a 0-0 draw. On this basis New Zealand may be not that exciting to watch, unless you like stern defending, however, score one and the ship is likely to sink.
Many believe that New Zealand will struggle to emulate their achievements in Spain in 82, this time round they probably won’t even score a goal. However, if Nelsen can inspire his teammates the world could witness the biggest ever celebration to a 0-0 draw...
Netherlands
A bout of Dutch courage is needed for the Netherlands to finally achieve what their pedigree demands, success in the World Cup. Beaten in the final in 1974 and 1978, by West Germany and Argentina respectively, a 4th place finish at France 98 since, although they did earn European glory in 1988. Still, it is about time the Flying Dutchman ruled the World.
The amass of orange is a delight for anybody to see, as stadium after stadium is filled with a nation united in attire. An clearly this unified support is aiding the national side come closer together, having on previous visits to national tournaments, been hampered by excessively large egos. But then again, if I was Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, Dennis Bergkamp or Marc Overmars, I would struggle to keep my feet on the ground.
As most Scots will already know, the Dutch sailed through qualifying, winning all eight of their games, making them the first European side to book their place in the finals. The Netherlands scored 17 goals and only conceded twice, exemplifying their natural attacking flair.
The manager Bert Van Marwijk is likely to adopt an almost 4-2-4 formation, with Wesley Sneijder playing in the hole just behind the main striker. Sneijder has had an unbelievable season for Inter Milan, helping the Italian giants claimed the Champions League for the first time. His skill and technique make him the ultimate playmaker, making him a must watch in South Africa.
However, despite Sneijder being influential, he is by no means the only attacking option for Van Marwijk. The right and left wings will be marshalled by an industrious Dirk Kuyt and, when not injured, the best winger in the World Arjen Robben. If Sneijder helped Inter win, Robben single-handedly got Bayern Munich to the final. His pace and trickery is matched by his crossing ability, and his finishing isn’t bad either. He does have a receding hairline though.
If those names don’t already wet your appetite, a returning to full fitness Robin Van Persie will make you drool enough with his performances in order to use any excess salvia to gel is hair even more. Having got injured in a friendly against Italy back in November, it was worried the Arsenal striker would not make South Africa, but his return at the end of the season proved successful, with the frontman looking sprightly.
In contrast to the attacking flair of the other players Nigel de Jong will be left to do all the dog work. His manager has told him to calm down on the tackling, after the Manchester City midfielder broke the leg of USA’s Stuart Holden in a friendly.
His partner in crime is the recalled Mark Van Bommel. After falling out with previous manager Marco Van Basten he left the national side, but the new manager is his father-in-law, so the relationship with the manager is better, a vital add to the Dutch line-up.
After the retirement of their most capped player ever, Edwin van der Sar, the choice of who goes in between the sticks has been a tricky one. Maarten Stekelenburg appears to be the number one choice, but critics are sceptical if the Ajax keeper is capable to perform on the international stage, a common worry amongst some of the most fancied nations.
The Netherlands have a relatively easy group, with Group E containing Cameroon, Denmark and Japan. Topping that group will see them get an easy second round match against Paraguay or Slovakia, provided Italy finish first in Group F. So the Netherlands first real test may be at the quarterfinal stage, where they may face Brazil, Spain or Portugal. This game will show us how serious a Dutch challenge will be.
Holland are a must watch team and are welcome at any finals, even if just to see the fans turn a stadium into a giant tangerine. They are renowned for skilful, attacking football and their start to the Euro 2008 campaign was utterly memorising, beating France (4-1) and Italy (3-0). If the players fulfil their potential, they will be unstoppable. Could this be their year? I think it will be.
The amass of orange is a delight for anybody to see, as stadium after stadium is filled with a nation united in attire. An clearly this unified support is aiding the national side come closer together, having on previous visits to national tournaments, been hampered by excessively large egos. But then again, if I was Edgar Davids, Clarence Seedorf, Dennis Bergkamp or Marc Overmars, I would struggle to keep my feet on the ground.
As most Scots will already know, the Dutch sailed through qualifying, winning all eight of their games, making them the first European side to book their place in the finals. The Netherlands scored 17 goals and only conceded twice, exemplifying their natural attacking flair.
The manager Bert Van Marwijk is likely to adopt an almost 4-2-4 formation, with Wesley Sneijder playing in the hole just behind the main striker. Sneijder has had an unbelievable season for Inter Milan, helping the Italian giants claimed the Champions League for the first time. His skill and technique make him the ultimate playmaker, making him a must watch in South Africa.
However, despite Sneijder being influential, he is by no means the only attacking option for Van Marwijk. The right and left wings will be marshalled by an industrious Dirk Kuyt and, when not injured, the best winger in the World Arjen Robben. If Sneijder helped Inter win, Robben single-handedly got Bayern Munich to the final. His pace and trickery is matched by his crossing ability, and his finishing isn’t bad either. He does have a receding hairline though.
If those names don’t already wet your appetite, a returning to full fitness Robin Van Persie will make you drool enough with his performances in order to use any excess salvia to gel is hair even more. Having got injured in a friendly against Italy back in November, it was worried the Arsenal striker would not make South Africa, but his return at the end of the season proved successful, with the frontman looking sprightly.
In contrast to the attacking flair of the other players Nigel de Jong will be left to do all the dog work. His manager has told him to calm down on the tackling, after the Manchester City midfielder broke the leg of USA’s Stuart Holden in a friendly.
His partner in crime is the recalled Mark Van Bommel. After falling out with previous manager Marco Van Basten he left the national side, but the new manager is his father-in-law, so the relationship with the manager is better, a vital add to the Dutch line-up.
After the retirement of their most capped player ever, Edwin van der Sar, the choice of who goes in between the sticks has been a tricky one. Maarten Stekelenburg appears to be the number one choice, but critics are sceptical if the Ajax keeper is capable to perform on the international stage, a common worry amongst some of the most fancied nations.
The Netherlands have a relatively easy group, with Group E containing Cameroon, Denmark and Japan. Topping that group will see them get an easy second round match against Paraguay or Slovakia, provided Italy finish first in Group F. So the Netherlands first real test may be at the quarterfinal stage, where they may face Brazil, Spain or Portugal. This game will show us how serious a Dutch challenge will be.
Holland are a must watch team and are welcome at any finals, even if just to see the fans turn a stadium into a giant tangerine. They are renowned for skilful, attacking football and their start to the Euro 2008 campaign was utterly memorising, beating France (4-1) and Italy (3-0). If the players fulfil their potential, they will be unstoppable. Could this be their year? I think it will be.
Sunday 30 May 2010
Mexico
Mexico are the lucky participants, alongside host nation South Africa, who will walk out onto the pitch at Johannesburg to kickoff the opening game of this year’s World Cup. The 11th of June at 4 o’clock in the afternoon is not the time to make a cup of tea, as millions of people around the world will be switching the TV on to witness the month long party begin. So whether you have your vuvuzela or sombrero the time has finally arrived.
I say that Mexico are the “lucky” participants in the opening game, yet history shows us that the host nation fairs a lot better than they usually do in the World Cup. 2002 gave us South Korea when the hosts reached the semi-finals. Mexico’s best performances came on home soil in 1970 and 1986 when they reached the quarterfinals. And of course England won in 1966. So whether South Africa are really the nation you want to face in your group is debatable.
South Africa is however one of the worst ranked host nations ever, so Mexico should have been relatively pleased when they got drawn in Group A, as South Africa were technically the seeded team in that group, as opposed to a Brazil, Italy and Spain in others. Yet, the un-seeded France later got drawn in Group A, meaning that the group does field a top international side. Uruguay are the other opponents, and with Forlan on form Mexico could be in real trouble.
Mexico though have qualified for their 5th consecutive World Cup finals, with the previous 4 ending in the last 16. It appears that they are the West Brom of international football, good enough to get promoted from the Championship, but not really good enough to stay in the Premiership. The last 16 is probably the highest they can once more achieve.
Qualifying was not so straight forward as one may expect, with Sven-Goran Eriksson getting the sack after a dismal start to the campaign. Mexico recalled Javier Aguirre who coached the national side in 2002 – to the last 16 – and his experience proved vital, as he guided Mexico into second place in CONCACAF.
Pivotal to the resurgence was bringing back into the side inspirational playmaker Cuauhtemoc Blanco. If you watched the friendly England played against Mexico you will agree with the Mexican medical staff that Blanco is a little overweight, meaning he is unlikely to play the full 90. But the 37year old has over 100caps and 38 goals for his country. And in France 98 he introduced the World to the Cuauhtemina – the ball between the legs bunny hop to skip in between two opposing players. Classic.
Against England they did show some very confident, slick passing football, exemplifying their typical Latino style ability. Arsenal’s Carlos Vela and West Ham’s Guillermo Franco may play integral parts in Mexico’s forward play. However, Javier Hernandez is the main man up front and is evidentially a man to key an eye out for, Sir Alex Ferguson believes so, having snapped up the striker before the World Cup for £6million.
Mexico are captained by Barcelona’s Rafael Marquez, another man with a wealth of experience. The cultured centre-back should control the game from defence, and hopefully will resolve those defensive deficiencies that England opened-up and punished.
El Tri will use their pacy wingers to create opportunities for their lone striker, Hernandez. Giovani Dos Santos failed at Spurs, but his national team play is invariably more consistent. Andres Guardado terrorises the right-wing. The Deportivo winger was viewed as one of the best foreign players outside the “top four” in La Liga. And if one of those two is not performing, Pablo Barrera will be brought on to provide even more speed to a wing.
Mexico play some decent football, yet their defence is not entirely stable when they play a team of greater skill. In any other year, I would suggest that Mexico would once more reach the last 16 of the tournament, qualifying second in the group. Yet, with South Africa hosting the tournament, the opening match may well decide who progresses to that elusive stage of the competition. With home advantage and the whole of the world behind them, Mexico may find themselves overawed by an overly excited South African team.
I say that Mexico are the “lucky” participants in the opening game, yet history shows us that the host nation fairs a lot better than they usually do in the World Cup. 2002 gave us South Korea when the hosts reached the semi-finals. Mexico’s best performances came on home soil in 1970 and 1986 when they reached the quarterfinals. And of course England won in 1966. So whether South Africa are really the nation you want to face in your group is debatable.
South Africa is however one of the worst ranked host nations ever, so Mexico should have been relatively pleased when they got drawn in Group A, as South Africa were technically the seeded team in that group, as opposed to a Brazil, Italy and Spain in others. Yet, the un-seeded France later got drawn in Group A, meaning that the group does field a top international side. Uruguay are the other opponents, and with Forlan on form Mexico could be in real trouble.
Mexico though have qualified for their 5th consecutive World Cup finals, with the previous 4 ending in the last 16. It appears that they are the West Brom of international football, good enough to get promoted from the Championship, but not really good enough to stay in the Premiership. The last 16 is probably the highest they can once more achieve.
Qualifying was not so straight forward as one may expect, with Sven-Goran Eriksson getting the sack after a dismal start to the campaign. Mexico recalled Javier Aguirre who coached the national side in 2002 – to the last 16 – and his experience proved vital, as he guided Mexico into second place in CONCACAF.
Pivotal to the resurgence was bringing back into the side inspirational playmaker Cuauhtemoc Blanco. If you watched the friendly England played against Mexico you will agree with the Mexican medical staff that Blanco is a little overweight, meaning he is unlikely to play the full 90. But the 37year old has over 100caps and 38 goals for his country. And in France 98 he introduced the World to the Cuauhtemina – the ball between the legs bunny hop to skip in between two opposing players. Classic.
Against England they did show some very confident, slick passing football, exemplifying their typical Latino style ability. Arsenal’s Carlos Vela and West Ham’s Guillermo Franco may play integral parts in Mexico’s forward play. However, Javier Hernandez is the main man up front and is evidentially a man to key an eye out for, Sir Alex Ferguson believes so, having snapped up the striker before the World Cup for £6million.
Mexico are captained by Barcelona’s Rafael Marquez, another man with a wealth of experience. The cultured centre-back should control the game from defence, and hopefully will resolve those defensive deficiencies that England opened-up and punished.
El Tri will use their pacy wingers to create opportunities for their lone striker, Hernandez. Giovani Dos Santos failed at Spurs, but his national team play is invariably more consistent. Andres Guardado terrorises the right-wing. The Deportivo winger was viewed as one of the best foreign players outside the “top four” in La Liga. And if one of those two is not performing, Pablo Barrera will be brought on to provide even more speed to a wing.
Mexico play some decent football, yet their defence is not entirely stable when they play a team of greater skill. In any other year, I would suggest that Mexico would once more reach the last 16 of the tournament, qualifying second in the group. Yet, with South Africa hosting the tournament, the opening match may well decide who progresses to that elusive stage of the competition. With home advantage and the whole of the world behind them, Mexico may find themselves overawed by an overly excited South African team.
Saturday 29 May 2010
Japan
The Japanese, ever the optimists it appears. In the land of the rising sun natives have been blinded in recent years but shades have finally begun to flitter through allowing football fans to witness the true capabilities of football players outside the realms of the J-League.
Stifle a laugh because it really is not funny, more embarrassing, but Japan’s manager Takeshi Okada aim for this summer is to reach...the semi-finals...I personally think if you are going to shoot so high you may as well go for glory and state that you are going win the whole tournament, but evidentially that would be unrealistic.
Maybe I am being overly harsh though, so, let’s look at the statistics. This is the 4th consecutive World Cup Japan have qualified for. In 2002, they were the joint holders of the competition along with South Korea, who outshined their co-hosts and made it to the elusive semi-finals. However, Japan did at least win some games and make it through to the second round.
In 1998 and 2006 Japan faired a lot worse. In their first ever World Cup appearance in France, they lost all three games. In 2006 they could only muster one draw against Croatia, effectively meaning they have not won a World Cup game on foreign soil yet.
If Japan are going to “defy” expectations then it is their midfield that is going to have to get them there. Junichi Inamoto is still about, an integral part of the defensive midfield. Next to him lines up Makoto Hasebe, one of the rare players to play outside the J-League – for German side Wolfsburg.
Another player who plies his trade elsewhere is Keisuke Honda. The CSKA Moscow midfielder is a powerful player, but also has an eye for a goal. Expect him to bring some European style to the Japanese midfield.
Ex-Celtic star, and Japan’s most famous player, Shunsuke Nakamura shall add slight glamour to the side. Yet, whether his left-foot can carry the team to a victory, let alone to the semi-finals, is once again debatable. Nakamura’s set pieces are a dangerous threat, but he will have to share this role with Yasuhito Endo, who got voted Asian Player of the Year in 2009.
Yuji Nakazawa is Japan’s captain and also their most experienced player. The centre-back is solid and having gained over 100caps for his country, he will be looked upon to lead the defensive line against the high quality opposition that Japan are set to face.
Japan have been drawn in Group E in South Africa. It is not the hardest group but it will still be a struggle for the Samurai Blues. The Netherlands are the likely team to top the group. Cameroon are one of the best African sides in the tournament. The Danes came through a tough qualifying campaign, beating off the likes of Sweden and Portugal, but then again Japan fended off Qatar and Uzbekistan.
The midfield 5 will need to shine if the sun is not to set on the Japanese advance on South Africa. How they will fair in reality will no doubt be obvious to all in Britain come tomorrow, when the Japanese face England in a friendly in Austria. Semi-finals? Fully unachievable.
Stifle a laugh because it really is not funny, more embarrassing, but Japan’s manager Takeshi Okada aim for this summer is to reach...the semi-finals...I personally think if you are going to shoot so high you may as well go for glory and state that you are going win the whole tournament, but evidentially that would be unrealistic.
Maybe I am being overly harsh though, so, let’s look at the statistics. This is the 4th consecutive World Cup Japan have qualified for. In 2002, they were the joint holders of the competition along with South Korea, who outshined their co-hosts and made it to the elusive semi-finals. However, Japan did at least win some games and make it through to the second round.
In 1998 and 2006 Japan faired a lot worse. In their first ever World Cup appearance in France, they lost all three games. In 2006 they could only muster one draw against Croatia, effectively meaning they have not won a World Cup game on foreign soil yet.
If Japan are going to “defy” expectations then it is their midfield that is going to have to get them there. Junichi Inamoto is still about, an integral part of the defensive midfield. Next to him lines up Makoto Hasebe, one of the rare players to play outside the J-League – for German side Wolfsburg.
Another player who plies his trade elsewhere is Keisuke Honda. The CSKA Moscow midfielder is a powerful player, but also has an eye for a goal. Expect him to bring some European style to the Japanese midfield.
Ex-Celtic star, and Japan’s most famous player, Shunsuke Nakamura shall add slight glamour to the side. Yet, whether his left-foot can carry the team to a victory, let alone to the semi-finals, is once again debatable. Nakamura’s set pieces are a dangerous threat, but he will have to share this role with Yasuhito Endo, who got voted Asian Player of the Year in 2009.
Yuji Nakazawa is Japan’s captain and also their most experienced player. The centre-back is solid and having gained over 100caps for his country, he will be looked upon to lead the defensive line against the high quality opposition that Japan are set to face.
Japan have been drawn in Group E in South Africa. It is not the hardest group but it will still be a struggle for the Samurai Blues. The Netherlands are the likely team to top the group. Cameroon are one of the best African sides in the tournament. The Danes came through a tough qualifying campaign, beating off the likes of Sweden and Portugal, but then again Japan fended off Qatar and Uzbekistan.
The midfield 5 will need to shine if the sun is not to set on the Japanese advance on South Africa. How they will fair in reality will no doubt be obvious to all in Britain come tomorrow, when the Japanese face England in a friendly in Austria. Semi-finals? Fully unachievable.
Friday 28 May 2010
Ivory Coast
When you talk about “The Big 5” in Africa one of the animals you are referring to is the elephant, in African football this is no different. The Elephants are one of the 6 nations representing Africa this year in the first World Cup to be held on African soil, in South Africa. How one of the greatest African sides will fair though, is very much debatable.
The Ivory Coast cruised through qualifying, but then what would you expect against teams such as Burkina Faso, Malawi and Guinea, with no disrespect intended, but ultimately given. However, qualification came not without trouble, as 22 supporters died after an excited crowd, crammed into an already packed stadium to watch the Ivory Coast beat Malawi 5-0 in their opening group game. This was an extremely sad way to start the final road to the finals.
More unrest came when Manager Vahid Halihodiz got sacked, after a poor team performance in the African Cup of Nations this January having already qualified for 2010. It was the coaches second loss in 2 years of football, yet his criticism of the players came back to haunt him, with them seemingly forcing the successful manager out without a replacement. In March though, Sven Goran-Eriksson took the mantel, giving the star players the star manager they undoubtedly craved.
In 2006 the Ivory Coast made their first ever appearance in the World Cup but fortune did not favour them. The Elephants got drawn in the “Group of Death” along with the Netherlands, Argentina and Serbia and Montenegro. Two 2-1 losses against Argentina and the Netherlands saw an early exit, however, they did restore some pride in beating Serbia and Montenegro 3-2 to give them their first World Cup points and victory.
In 2010 they appear no luckier. Brazil and Portugal both got drawn in Group G alongside the Ivory Coast, with North Korea the unlucky hitchhikers. This is an especially hard group, which says more about the state of the African side than about the other nations.
The main star is one everybody who knows anything about football, or possibly even not know about football, should know well. Didier Drogba is the Ivorian captain. The Chelsea star is one of the best strikers in the World, with an unbelievable international scoring record, 42 goals in 66 caps. If he plays well, the Ivory Coast plays well. If he plays poorly, the Ivory Coast plays poorly. Therefore, his form is imperative, his diving antics and hot-headedness are less welcome at the finals.
There is a battle to partner Drogba in South Africa, with Salomon Kalou, Aruna Dindane and Bakary Kone each bidding for that spot. Kalou’s increased form at Chelsea may well see Eriksson give him the nod and he will no doubt not disappoint.
The centre of midfield then boasts one of the World’s most destructive pairings as Sevilla’s Didier Zokora and Barcelona’s Yaya Toure dominate that area of the pitch. Yaya Toure is one of the best defensive midfielders in world football, yet his partner in crime is just as capable, meaning that Yaya will on occasions be looked upon to provide support to the frontline, an usual experience for the Ivorian.
Yaya’s brother Kolo plays behind him in the heart of the Ivory Coast defence. His form at Arsenal seemed to dither slightly towards the end of this spell there, yet his time at Manchester City has once again reinvigorated the defensive dynamo. Next to Kolo on the right-hand side of defence is his ex-Arsenal teammate Emmanuel Eboue. Eboue has come in for some stick over recent years at Arsenal, although his form over the last 6 months has been blistering. Utilised by Arsene Wenger in almost any position, expect him to wander the pitch, but to play effective football nonetheless.
The problems start for the Ivory Coast with their lack of preparation time for the new man in charge, Eriksson. Only 3 weeks will be provided and although this team has known each other for a long time, their reliance on Drogba, despite other big international names, is still evident. In positions where no egos are placed, players who are not quite of an international standard fill the gaps.
The left-side of defence is a problematic area, with no stable left-back, and Hibernian’s Souleymane Bamba on the left side of the central pairing. Although the midfield provides superb defensive cover, behind them is a keeper prone to making a variance of performances. Barry may be the firm Ivory Coast number 1, but in his time playing in Belgium, he won awards for his inconsistency in his performance...
So, Africa will hold its collective breathe to see whether the Elephants can do what they failed to achieve in 2006 and escape the “Group of Death”. Unfortunately, despite the extra push they may receive from playing in Africa for the first time, the poachers of Brazil and Portugal may well prove too much for this endangered species.
The Ivory Coast cruised through qualifying, but then what would you expect against teams such as Burkina Faso, Malawi and Guinea, with no disrespect intended, but ultimately given. However, qualification came not without trouble, as 22 supporters died after an excited crowd, crammed into an already packed stadium to watch the Ivory Coast beat Malawi 5-0 in their opening group game. This was an extremely sad way to start the final road to the finals.
More unrest came when Manager Vahid Halihodiz got sacked, after a poor team performance in the African Cup of Nations this January having already qualified for 2010. It was the coaches second loss in 2 years of football, yet his criticism of the players came back to haunt him, with them seemingly forcing the successful manager out without a replacement. In March though, Sven Goran-Eriksson took the mantel, giving the star players the star manager they undoubtedly craved.
In 2006 the Ivory Coast made their first ever appearance in the World Cup but fortune did not favour them. The Elephants got drawn in the “Group of Death” along with the Netherlands, Argentina and Serbia and Montenegro. Two 2-1 losses against Argentina and the Netherlands saw an early exit, however, they did restore some pride in beating Serbia and Montenegro 3-2 to give them their first World Cup points and victory.
In 2010 they appear no luckier. Brazil and Portugal both got drawn in Group G alongside the Ivory Coast, with North Korea the unlucky hitchhikers. This is an especially hard group, which says more about the state of the African side than about the other nations.
The main star is one everybody who knows anything about football, or possibly even not know about football, should know well. Didier Drogba is the Ivorian captain. The Chelsea star is one of the best strikers in the World, with an unbelievable international scoring record, 42 goals in 66 caps. If he plays well, the Ivory Coast plays well. If he plays poorly, the Ivory Coast plays poorly. Therefore, his form is imperative, his diving antics and hot-headedness are less welcome at the finals.
There is a battle to partner Drogba in South Africa, with Salomon Kalou, Aruna Dindane and Bakary Kone each bidding for that spot. Kalou’s increased form at Chelsea may well see Eriksson give him the nod and he will no doubt not disappoint.
The centre of midfield then boasts one of the World’s most destructive pairings as Sevilla’s Didier Zokora and Barcelona’s Yaya Toure dominate that area of the pitch. Yaya Toure is one of the best defensive midfielders in world football, yet his partner in crime is just as capable, meaning that Yaya will on occasions be looked upon to provide support to the frontline, an usual experience for the Ivorian.
Yaya’s brother Kolo plays behind him in the heart of the Ivory Coast defence. His form at Arsenal seemed to dither slightly towards the end of this spell there, yet his time at Manchester City has once again reinvigorated the defensive dynamo. Next to Kolo on the right-hand side of defence is his ex-Arsenal teammate Emmanuel Eboue. Eboue has come in for some stick over recent years at Arsenal, although his form over the last 6 months has been blistering. Utilised by Arsene Wenger in almost any position, expect him to wander the pitch, but to play effective football nonetheless.
The problems start for the Ivory Coast with their lack of preparation time for the new man in charge, Eriksson. Only 3 weeks will be provided and although this team has known each other for a long time, their reliance on Drogba, despite other big international names, is still evident. In positions where no egos are placed, players who are not quite of an international standard fill the gaps.
The left-side of defence is a problematic area, with no stable left-back, and Hibernian’s Souleymane Bamba on the left side of the central pairing. Although the midfield provides superb defensive cover, behind them is a keeper prone to making a variance of performances. Barry may be the firm Ivory Coast number 1, but in his time playing in Belgium, he won awards for his inconsistency in his performance...
So, Africa will hold its collective breathe to see whether the Elephants can do what they failed to achieve in 2006 and escape the “Group of Death”. Unfortunately, despite the extra push they may receive from playing in Africa for the first time, the poachers of Brazil and Portugal may well prove too much for this endangered species.
Italy
The famous boot of Italy is one of Europe’s iconic landmarks, and it is inhabited by Europe’s most successful football nation. Italy have won the World Cup on 4 previous occasions and, going into the tournament, are the World Champions having won in Germany in 2006. Whether they will remain so on leaving African soil is yet to be decided.
Italy is only one of two nations that have won the World Cup consecutively, although the tournament was very different in 1934 and 1938 to what it is now. Brazil, unsurprisingly, are the other successful country, having won in 1958 and 1962, another era long gone. Yet, to rule Italy out on the assumption that it is clear that the teams you face play doubly as hard to prevent you from earning glory again is somewhat misguided.
Italy are once again under the control of Marcello Lippi, after he was coaxed back to manage the national side after a poor Euro 2008 campaign. The ex-Juve man relies heavily on the Juventus of today to provide players for the squad, players which he has known for a prolonged period it seems, with as many as 6 or 7 of his probably starting 11 being over the age of 30, and not by a short way either.
This age factor does appear to be a cause for concern, with many believing the likes of Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Buffon, Pirlo, Camoranesi and Gattuso – to name a few – are far beyond their use-by date. However, when you consider that Italy generally rely on 1-0 concrete defensive victories, what better players would you want then those that have enough experience to know how to keep a sinking ship afloat?
Qualifying, although at times a little nerve-racking, was, in statistical terms, a breeze. Admittedly a lack of goals were scored, with Gilardino being the top scorer on a less than impressive 4, especially so when 3 of those goals came against Cyrus in the final match having already qualified. Yet, you do not need to score many if you do not concede many, something which the Azzurri are more than adept at.
Despite this wealth of experience and class that will mean we witness Grosso and Zambrotta bombing up and down their respective wings, whilst Pirlo creates in the middle of the park, with Camoranesi providing some fire-power and a fiery attitude to proceedings, it is Daniele De Rossi who has gradually stolen the Italian crown that players such as Del Piero and Francesco Totti have donned before him.
This midfield maestro has it all. He creates, breaks-up play, scores and his work-rate is above all else. The talisman of the Azzurri is expected to take over the captaincy once Cannavaro’s legs finally give way (with the reason why he has been able to last so long probably due to the fact he has less height with which his legs have to hold up than any other world renowned central defender). Cannavaro may wear the armband, but De Rossi wears the Italian nation on his heart.
Buffon will be expected to keep his goal empty of balls throughout the tournament, whereas Gilardino and Iaquinta will be hoping to do the opposite down the other end. Both are good target men to hit, but their goal scoring record leaves much to be desired. But then again, so does Emile Heskey’s. Expect these two tall target men to cause enough havoc for other members of the Italian squad to finish off the moves.
South Africa sees Italy drawn in Group F where they face Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia. It may be harder to find an easier World Cup group. I say may and not will because there is a slight chance you possibly have not seen England’s draw... This is not to say it will be easy, just the group is favourable for the Italians who should comfortably make it through the group stages. This should set them on their way, especially with a second round match against Denmark, Japan or Cameroon facing them afterwards.
The quarter-finals though should see Italy face Spain, or possibly even Brazil. At this stage, despite their wealth of experience, with goals hard to come by, a loss may be on the cards for Lippi’s men. However, a lukewarm Italian side won in 2006, can an aging one win in 2010?
Italy is only one of two nations that have won the World Cup consecutively, although the tournament was very different in 1934 and 1938 to what it is now. Brazil, unsurprisingly, are the other successful country, having won in 1958 and 1962, another era long gone. Yet, to rule Italy out on the assumption that it is clear that the teams you face play doubly as hard to prevent you from earning glory again is somewhat misguided.
Italy are once again under the control of Marcello Lippi, after he was coaxed back to manage the national side after a poor Euro 2008 campaign. The ex-Juve man relies heavily on the Juventus of today to provide players for the squad, players which he has known for a prolonged period it seems, with as many as 6 or 7 of his probably starting 11 being over the age of 30, and not by a short way either.
This age factor does appear to be a cause for concern, with many believing the likes of Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Buffon, Pirlo, Camoranesi and Gattuso – to name a few – are far beyond their use-by date. However, when you consider that Italy generally rely on 1-0 concrete defensive victories, what better players would you want then those that have enough experience to know how to keep a sinking ship afloat?
Qualifying, although at times a little nerve-racking, was, in statistical terms, a breeze. Admittedly a lack of goals were scored, with Gilardino being the top scorer on a less than impressive 4, especially so when 3 of those goals came against Cyrus in the final match having already qualified. Yet, you do not need to score many if you do not concede many, something which the Azzurri are more than adept at.
Despite this wealth of experience and class that will mean we witness Grosso and Zambrotta bombing up and down their respective wings, whilst Pirlo creates in the middle of the park, with Camoranesi providing some fire-power and a fiery attitude to proceedings, it is Daniele De Rossi who has gradually stolen the Italian crown that players such as Del Piero and Francesco Totti have donned before him.
This midfield maestro has it all. He creates, breaks-up play, scores and his work-rate is above all else. The talisman of the Azzurri is expected to take over the captaincy once Cannavaro’s legs finally give way (with the reason why he has been able to last so long probably due to the fact he has less height with which his legs have to hold up than any other world renowned central defender). Cannavaro may wear the armband, but De Rossi wears the Italian nation on his heart.
Buffon will be expected to keep his goal empty of balls throughout the tournament, whereas Gilardino and Iaquinta will be hoping to do the opposite down the other end. Both are good target men to hit, but their goal scoring record leaves much to be desired. But then again, so does Emile Heskey’s. Expect these two tall target men to cause enough havoc for other members of the Italian squad to finish off the moves.
South Africa sees Italy drawn in Group F where they face Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia. It may be harder to find an easier World Cup group. I say may and not will because there is a slight chance you possibly have not seen England’s draw... This is not to say it will be easy, just the group is favourable for the Italians who should comfortably make it through the group stages. This should set them on their way, especially with a second round match against Denmark, Japan or Cameroon facing them afterwards.
The quarter-finals though should see Italy face Spain, or possibly even Brazil. At this stage, despite their wealth of experience, with goals hard to come by, a loss may be on the cards for Lippi’s men. However, a lukewarm Italian side won in 2006, can an aging one win in 2010?
Honduras
The tiny country from Central America is stepping out onto the World’s biggest stage for only the second time in their colourful history. A 1-1 draw against hosts Spain in 1982 was a superb achievement, but one further draw against Northern Ireland and a loss against Yugoslavia were enough to send them home after a brief encounter with the World Cup.
28 years later and a tasty tie against European champions Spain is yet again on offer, a 1-1 draw here would certainly eclipse their finest hour in 82. Unfortunately, that outcome is somewhat unrealistic, so it may be against Switzerland and Chile that the success of their trip to South Africa is decided.
Yet, really the true success was getting there in the first place. Amongst a presidential coup – of Jose Manuel Zelaya – Honduras saw qualification fall within their grasp, only to be taken away again briefly after a loss to Mexico and the USA. With one game to go, away at El Salvador, Los Catrachos were sitting 4th in the group, with Costa Rica two points above them where a tricky tie against the USA awaited them.
Carlos Pavon scored the only goal, giving Honduras a 1-0 victory. The radios around the stand were then quickly turned on to listen to the fate of the other match. Costa Rica were winning 2-1, leaving Honduras in a play-off position. However, in the 94th minute American defender Jonathan Bornstein scored a last-gasp equaliser, sending the Honduran fans into ecstasy, as they qualified automatically due to having a greater goal difference than the unfortunate Costa Rica.
The country declared a national holiday in celebration of the achievement, much to the annoyance of Harry Redknapp, whose player Wilson Palacios was refused a flight back to England in order to return in time for his Premier League match for Spurs, instead being forced to join in with the celebrations that were in store. It is a hard life for some.
Expect Palacios to be the driving force behind the Honduran side, in a team that is expected to lose emphatically in South Africa. Renowned for his defensive ability, Palacios may well also be burdened with creating opportunities further up the field, not because he is necessarily the most attacking player, but simply because he is by far the best footballer the country has.
The Wigan pair of Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa will add some familiarity to the team, yet despite both playing in England, to say they were even the highlight of the Wigan side would be like suggesting that Hamilton Accies can win the SPL next season. Sure, they are in the same league as Rangers and Celtic and on one-off occasions they can cause an upset, but they are never going to outperform them consistently. Honduras will be hoping for at least three one-off occasions this summer.
Anchoring the midfield is veteran captain Amado Guevara. He is one of a number of players who now plays domestic football back in his home country, however, having been capped a record breaking 133 times by Honduras, expect him to play a fundamental role in organising and inspiring his fellow teammates.
Up front, Genoa’s striker David Suazo will be looked upon to bag the vital goal. The Honduran has been flaunting his trade in Serie A since 1999, and is officially on loan from Inter Milan. In 2006 Suazo won foreign player of the year in Serie A, so clearly he has the potential to perform at a high level.
Columbian coach Reinaldo Rueda has already succeeded well above expectations in advancing Honduras to South Africa. He has been granted Honduran citizenship due to his achievement but anything other than a group stage exit will be a miracle. He will organise his side well, relying on a defence that conceding the least amount of goals in the CONCACAF group. However, players are apparently prone to lapses of concentration and against better opponents expect this to be punished.
Honduras has done exceptional well to make it to the World Cup, however, if they expect anything from their campaign they are likely to go home embarrassed. Spain are one of the natural favourites for the competition and Chile are regarded by most as a possible surprise package. The Swiss are generally boring but always do alright, effectively leaving Honduras with an insurmountable task. Hopefully they will at least score a few goals and provide their fans with some reason to cheer come June.
28 years later and a tasty tie against European champions Spain is yet again on offer, a 1-1 draw here would certainly eclipse their finest hour in 82. Unfortunately, that outcome is somewhat unrealistic, so it may be against Switzerland and Chile that the success of their trip to South Africa is decided.
Yet, really the true success was getting there in the first place. Amongst a presidential coup – of Jose Manuel Zelaya – Honduras saw qualification fall within their grasp, only to be taken away again briefly after a loss to Mexico and the USA. With one game to go, away at El Salvador, Los Catrachos were sitting 4th in the group, with Costa Rica two points above them where a tricky tie against the USA awaited them.
Carlos Pavon scored the only goal, giving Honduras a 1-0 victory. The radios around the stand were then quickly turned on to listen to the fate of the other match. Costa Rica were winning 2-1, leaving Honduras in a play-off position. However, in the 94th minute American defender Jonathan Bornstein scored a last-gasp equaliser, sending the Honduran fans into ecstasy, as they qualified automatically due to having a greater goal difference than the unfortunate Costa Rica.
The country declared a national holiday in celebration of the achievement, much to the annoyance of Harry Redknapp, whose player Wilson Palacios was refused a flight back to England in order to return in time for his Premier League match for Spurs, instead being forced to join in with the celebrations that were in store. It is a hard life for some.
Expect Palacios to be the driving force behind the Honduran side, in a team that is expected to lose emphatically in South Africa. Renowned for his defensive ability, Palacios may well also be burdened with creating opportunities further up the field, not because he is necessarily the most attacking player, but simply because he is by far the best footballer the country has.
The Wigan pair of Hendry Thomas and Maynor Figueroa will add some familiarity to the team, yet despite both playing in England, to say they were even the highlight of the Wigan side would be like suggesting that Hamilton Accies can win the SPL next season. Sure, they are in the same league as Rangers and Celtic and on one-off occasions they can cause an upset, but they are never going to outperform them consistently. Honduras will be hoping for at least three one-off occasions this summer.
Anchoring the midfield is veteran captain Amado Guevara. He is one of a number of players who now plays domestic football back in his home country, however, having been capped a record breaking 133 times by Honduras, expect him to play a fundamental role in organising and inspiring his fellow teammates.
Up front, Genoa’s striker David Suazo will be looked upon to bag the vital goal. The Honduran has been flaunting his trade in Serie A since 1999, and is officially on loan from Inter Milan. In 2006 Suazo won foreign player of the year in Serie A, so clearly he has the potential to perform at a high level.
Columbian coach Reinaldo Rueda has already succeeded well above expectations in advancing Honduras to South Africa. He has been granted Honduran citizenship due to his achievement but anything other than a group stage exit will be a miracle. He will organise his side well, relying on a defence that conceding the least amount of goals in the CONCACAF group. However, players are apparently prone to lapses of concentration and against better opponents expect this to be punished.
Honduras has done exceptional well to make it to the World Cup, however, if they expect anything from their campaign they are likely to go home embarrassed. Spain are one of the natural favourites for the competition and Chile are regarded by most as a possible surprise package. The Swiss are generally boring but always do alright, effectively leaving Honduras with an insurmountable task. Hopefully they will at least score a few goals and provide their fans with some reason to cheer come June.
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