As an extremely excited 14 year old boy, I remember waking up early in the morning, somewhere around 7, to watch Ireland’s first game in the 2002 World Cup against the African nation in the group – Cameroon. The Mick McCarthy/Roy Keane fiasco had preceded the match, yet with many star names in the Irish team, the anticipation was high.
39minutes in and a mazy run by Cameroon forward Samuel Eto’o, having been found by Geremi, enabled Mboma to bundle the ball home to go 1-0 up. Matt Holland later replied for the leprechaun nation before the Irish went on to progress through Group E, which contained a lacklustre Saudi Arabia and eventual finalists Germany. Cameroon, went home.
That was the last time we witnessed The Indomitable Lions on the world stage. Although, not only do some familiar names remain in the squad, but they are Africa’s most successful nation, having qualified for this tournament on 5 occasions, even reaching the quarter-finals in Italia 90 where, in a pulsating game, they lost to an extra-time Gary Lineker penalty.
In the first World Cup to be held on African soil many feel the onus has been placed on Cameroon to represent the continent into the beginning of July. This is not surprising when the hosts – South Africa – are ranked a miserly 85th in the world, whereas the Ivory Coast and Ghana have been drawn in extremely difficult groups that either will do well to progress from and with Algeria being, well, just rubbish. Nigeria may offer Africa another glimpse of opportunity though.
Technically though, Cameroon is officially ranked in the hardest group in the tournament. The Netherlands (3), Japan (40), Denmark (27) and themselves (14) forming an accumulative total of 84 in the FIFA rankings, as oppose to Group F – Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia – who hit the dizzy heights of 141. FIFA rankings should always be taken with a more than a pinch of salt however. The Netherlands, as one of the tournaments favourites, should comfortably top the group, leaving the remaining three to fight it out.
Cameroon advanced through qualifying after a momentary blip, but after hiring ex-Rangers manager Paul Le Guen, the nation that introduced the world to the sleeveless “basketball esque” football shirt, were never in doubt of a place at the finals. Le Guen took the captaincy off an aging, but legendary, Rigobert Song and presented it to the man everyone in Cameroon looks up to, Inter Milan striker, Samuel Eto’o.
No one nation will be placing so much hope and expectation on one player. Eto’o really is the real deal though, 42 goals in 91 caps gives the hot-headed striker almost a 1:2 ratio, which in international football is phenomenal. To progress as far as Africans and neutrals desire, Eto’o needs to edge that little bit closer to 50international goals.
Despite the prominence of the Inter Milan striker, the West Africans do have some other recognisable names. Spurs will be represented at the back with Assou-Ekotto and Bassong continuing their partnership on the left-side of defence. Spurs local rivals Arsenal will also have some interest in the side, as Rigobert Song’s nephew, Alex, should command the midfield. Lyon’s Jean Makoun will play alongside Song in the centre, another man who specialises in breaking-up opposition play.
Cameroon face Japan first on the 14th June and Denmark on the 19th and if The Indomitable Lions have not already qualified after then, trouble awaits them in a tough remaining fixture against the Dutch. For the nation that leads the African fight on African soil, this last group game needs to be a non-entity.
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Capello Names 30man Provisional Squad
In the midst of a Zola sacking from West Ham, a McClaren move to Wolfsburg and Roy Hodgsen being voted manager of the year, Fabio Capello has named a provisional 30man squad for South Africa. Only 23 will get the nod, so who will get a ticket?
The 30 players are as follows:
Goalkeepers – Green, Hart , James
Defenders – Baines, Carragher, A. Cole, Dawson, Ferdinand, G. Johnson, King, Terry, Upson, Warnock
Midfielders – Barry, Carrick, J. Cole, Gerrard, Huddlestone, A. Johnson, Lampard, Lennon, Milner, Parker, Walcott, Wright-Phillips
Strikers – Bent, Crouch, Defoe, Heskey, Rooney
Fundamentally, all 3 keepers will go and 5 strikers are needed, taking up 8 places and meaning that the likes of Bent can rest easy. Paul Robinson is the only notable absentee, and may be slightly disgruntled at being left behind for Rob Green. However, both are unreliable, and so although one may go and not the other, James and Hart should both be preferred, meaning that it is only pride that should be effected, as opposed to England’s hopes. As if we need the third choice keeper to be called upon, the situation will already be dire.
5 strikers are a must, as they are ultimately the ones that Fabio, and all of England, will look to for goals. Heskey, although he fails to score, is clearly going to start alongside Rooney. Crouch provides an excellent alternative to the Aston Villa striker, posing both an aerial threat, whilst also having great technical ability on the ball, allowing him to provide the finishing touch of a goal to his play. Bent and Defoe however, will both provide competent performances, with their goals in the Premiership justifying a place on the plane.
With 8 places gone, this mathematically leaves 15 places left. Midfielders are surely in greater need than defenders, therefore, linguistics provide that 8 midfielders will go and 7 defenders. On this basis, 3 defenders out of the 10 need not be invited, whilst 4 midfielders will be left watching the television with the rest of us commoners.
7 defenders are to be taken, with Terry, Ferdinand, A. Cole and G. Johnson certainties. This means that 3 out of the remaining 6 need to be chosen. Baines is the only out-and-out cover for left-back, therefore, on this basis he should get a slot. Upson, King, Dawson, Warnock and Carragher fight it out for the final 2 defensive positions. King and Dawson are the obvious choice, based on performance this season. However, this my leave the right-back area unprotected, with only G. Johnson able to play there. On this basis Carragher, who has returned from international retirement after having his worst season in a long while for Liverpool, may unbelievable be chosen ahead of one of the Spurs back two. King is better than Dawson, and should not be required to play many games in a row, therefore King and, to my disbelief and slight concern, Carragher may get the final slot. As for Upson and Warnock, both simply are not up to the required standard.
The midfield poses similar problems. Gerrard and Lampard are the only two certainties. However, it is safe to deduce that James Milner has earned the right to a ticket. Lennon and Barry, despite having late injury problems, both deserve a summer holiday in South Africa also. This of course, means that there are 8 men left, with only 3 tickets.
Joe Cole, despite having a season full of injury, has international experience, versatility and was undoubtedly one of England’s best players in the last World Cup. All three of these reasons provide adequate justification in my eyes, to say that Capello should back the 28 year old. Adam Johnson has sparkled in the latter part of the season for Manchester City, easily outperforming Walcott and Wright-Phillips, so despite his international inexperience, I would at least take him to Africa.
The last place therefore is between Parker, Huddlestone, Carrick, Walcott and Wright-Phillips. Effectively, it is match winners that need to go to South Africa, impact players that can be brought off the bench to turn a match, and out of those 5 Walcott is the clear winner. On this basis, the Arsenal man should take the final spot on the plane.
So, in my view the 23 man squad should look like this:
Goalkeepers – Green, Hart , James
Defenders – Baines, Carragher, A. Cole, Ferdinand, G. Johnson, King, Terry
Midfielders – Barry, J. Cole, Gerrard, A. Johnson, Lampard, Lennon, Milner, Walcott
Strikers – Bent, Crouch, Defoe, Heskey, Rooney
The unfortunate few to get so close yet miss out:
Carrick, Dawson, Huddlestone, Parker, Wright-Phillips, Upson and Warnock.
Whether Fabio agrees with me, only time will tell.
The 30 players are as follows:
Goalkeepers – Green, Hart , James
Defenders – Baines, Carragher, A. Cole, Dawson, Ferdinand, G. Johnson, King, Terry, Upson, Warnock
Midfielders – Barry, Carrick, J. Cole, Gerrard, Huddlestone, A. Johnson, Lampard, Lennon, Milner, Parker, Walcott, Wright-Phillips
Strikers – Bent, Crouch, Defoe, Heskey, Rooney
Fundamentally, all 3 keepers will go and 5 strikers are needed, taking up 8 places and meaning that the likes of Bent can rest easy. Paul Robinson is the only notable absentee, and may be slightly disgruntled at being left behind for Rob Green. However, both are unreliable, and so although one may go and not the other, James and Hart should both be preferred, meaning that it is only pride that should be effected, as opposed to England’s hopes. As if we need the third choice keeper to be called upon, the situation will already be dire.
5 strikers are a must, as they are ultimately the ones that Fabio, and all of England, will look to for goals. Heskey, although he fails to score, is clearly going to start alongside Rooney. Crouch provides an excellent alternative to the Aston Villa striker, posing both an aerial threat, whilst also having great technical ability on the ball, allowing him to provide the finishing touch of a goal to his play. Bent and Defoe however, will both provide competent performances, with their goals in the Premiership justifying a place on the plane.
With 8 places gone, this mathematically leaves 15 places left. Midfielders are surely in greater need than defenders, therefore, linguistics provide that 8 midfielders will go and 7 defenders. On this basis, 3 defenders out of the 10 need not be invited, whilst 4 midfielders will be left watching the television with the rest of us commoners.
7 defenders are to be taken, with Terry, Ferdinand, A. Cole and G. Johnson certainties. This means that 3 out of the remaining 6 need to be chosen. Baines is the only out-and-out cover for left-back, therefore, on this basis he should get a slot. Upson, King, Dawson, Warnock and Carragher fight it out for the final 2 defensive positions. King and Dawson are the obvious choice, based on performance this season. However, this my leave the right-back area unprotected, with only G. Johnson able to play there. On this basis Carragher, who has returned from international retirement after having his worst season in a long while for Liverpool, may unbelievable be chosen ahead of one of the Spurs back two. King is better than Dawson, and should not be required to play many games in a row, therefore King and, to my disbelief and slight concern, Carragher may get the final slot. As for Upson and Warnock, both simply are not up to the required standard.
The midfield poses similar problems. Gerrard and Lampard are the only two certainties. However, it is safe to deduce that James Milner has earned the right to a ticket. Lennon and Barry, despite having late injury problems, both deserve a summer holiday in South Africa also. This of course, means that there are 8 men left, with only 3 tickets.
Joe Cole, despite having a season full of injury, has international experience, versatility and was undoubtedly one of England’s best players in the last World Cup. All three of these reasons provide adequate justification in my eyes, to say that Capello should back the 28 year old. Adam Johnson has sparkled in the latter part of the season for Manchester City, easily outperforming Walcott and Wright-Phillips, so despite his international inexperience, I would at least take him to Africa.
The last place therefore is between Parker, Huddlestone, Carrick, Walcott and Wright-Phillips. Effectively, it is match winners that need to go to South Africa, impact players that can be brought off the bench to turn a match, and out of those 5 Walcott is the clear winner. On this basis, the Arsenal man should take the final spot on the plane.
So, in my view the 23 man squad should look like this:
Goalkeepers – Green, Hart , James
Defenders – Baines, Carragher, A. Cole, Ferdinand, G. Johnson, King, Terry
Midfielders – Barry, J. Cole, Gerrard, A. Johnson, Lampard, Lennon, Milner, Walcott
Strikers – Bent, Crouch, Defoe, Heskey, Rooney
The unfortunate few to get so close yet miss out:
Carrick, Dawson, Huddlestone, Parker, Wright-Phillips, Upson and Warnock.
Whether Fabio agrees with me, only time will tell.
Monday, 10 May 2010
Brazil
The Samba Kings, an omnipresent force in World football, having being the only team to qualify for every World Cup. Their quest – World Cup glory for the 6th time, enabling them to consolidate their world dominance status by winning the tournament in the only continent they have not yet conquered – Africa. Their chances – undeniably strong. Their failures – not being English.
Brazil are undoubtedly the team that everyone wants to watch. The country’s multicultural openness is reflected in the uniqueness and creativeness that their football players have blessed us with over the years. However, this summer in South Africa, despite possessing the flair players we all anticipate, presents a very different Brazil from the team we are use to.
Dunga led his nation to World Cup glory in 1994 and to the final in France 98, with a tongue-tied Ronaldo among the famous players, and was the surprise appointment to the Brazil manager after the country crashed out in the quarter-finals to France in 2006. The sceptics saw this as an interim move, yet he has stuck out the course, reaching South Africa after topping the challenging South American qualifying group.
To achieve this feat however, Dunga has resorted to stability rather than creativity, much to the annoyance of the media in Brazil. This attitude is indicative of the manager’s own playing style. Dunga has usually opted for two holding midfielders – Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo – providing a more defensive outlook.
The pair sit in front of two very experienced centre-backs Juan and Lucio, who both not only played together for Bayer Leverkusen, but also made Bayer’s official “Squad of the Century” which was a mash-up of players who had played for the German side throughout the years. Behind them, Julio Cesar – res ipsa loquitur.
Brazil are not renowned usually for their keepers but in Cesar they have made up for years of unreliability. Anybody who has seen Inter Milan in the Champions League will know that he is good, come summer, you may realise just quite how good. Great at shot-stopping, organisationally secure and more than able to cope with any high balls, Brazil are in safe hands
These 5 players form the backbone of the team, around them the Brazil we know and love is encapsulated. Cesar’s and Lucio’s Inter teammate Maicon will play at right-back, keeping Barcelona’s Dani Alves on the bench! That really is the definition of strength in depth. Alves is usually the first substitute brought on by Dunga, an unusual accolade for a wing-back, however the player’s influence is so great he may get thrown in at left-back, even though he admits himself he cannot play there.
In front of the midfield defensive line will sit three attacking maestros – Elano, Kaka and Robinho. The onus will no doubt be on these men to provide the creative impetus to unlocking the opponents defence. If they fail, Villarreal’s Nilmar (who has 8 goals in 11 caps) and potentially even Ronaldino will be there to take their place.
Up front is out-and-out striker Luis Fabiano. 25 goals in 36 caps says it all and his club record this season is just as prominent, 15 goals in 23 games. However, he tends to lack concentration, although if my teammates could move the ball as swiftly as his, I would also be too much in awe to remember why I was there. His boots have a fair chance of matching his country’s top come July 11th.
If Brazil are to make it to the final, they will need to play well from the start. The accumulative world ranking of the teams in Group G (147) is one of the highest but that is due to North Korea (ranked 91st in the World) being in the otherwise “Group of Death”. Portugal scrapped through European qualifying yet obviously should not be underestimated by their Latino counterparts. As for the final spot, the Ivory Coast fill that. And with the World Cup being in Africa for the first time, they will intend to prove that African nations are a dominant force, and who would bet against them showing this?
The Brazilians will no doubt bring the party to South Africa, they also provide very amiable crowd shots. Dunga has added a once exempt defensive approach to the nation’s free-flowing outlook, yet that mind-set still remains strong in many of the players. So does World Cup glory await them again? It seems like a distinct possibility.
Brazil are undoubtedly the team that everyone wants to watch. The country’s multicultural openness is reflected in the uniqueness and creativeness that their football players have blessed us with over the years. However, this summer in South Africa, despite possessing the flair players we all anticipate, presents a very different Brazil from the team we are use to.
Dunga led his nation to World Cup glory in 1994 and to the final in France 98, with a tongue-tied Ronaldo among the famous players, and was the surprise appointment to the Brazil manager after the country crashed out in the quarter-finals to France in 2006. The sceptics saw this as an interim move, yet he has stuck out the course, reaching South Africa after topping the challenging South American qualifying group.
To achieve this feat however, Dunga has resorted to stability rather than creativity, much to the annoyance of the media in Brazil. This attitude is indicative of the manager’s own playing style. Dunga has usually opted for two holding midfielders – Gilberto Silva and Felipe Melo – providing a more defensive outlook.
The pair sit in front of two very experienced centre-backs Juan and Lucio, who both not only played together for Bayer Leverkusen, but also made Bayer’s official “Squad of the Century” which was a mash-up of players who had played for the German side throughout the years. Behind them, Julio Cesar – res ipsa loquitur.
Brazil are not renowned usually for their keepers but in Cesar they have made up for years of unreliability. Anybody who has seen Inter Milan in the Champions League will know that he is good, come summer, you may realise just quite how good. Great at shot-stopping, organisationally secure and more than able to cope with any high balls, Brazil are in safe hands
These 5 players form the backbone of the team, around them the Brazil we know and love is encapsulated. Cesar’s and Lucio’s Inter teammate Maicon will play at right-back, keeping Barcelona’s Dani Alves on the bench! That really is the definition of strength in depth. Alves is usually the first substitute brought on by Dunga, an unusual accolade for a wing-back, however the player’s influence is so great he may get thrown in at left-back, even though he admits himself he cannot play there.
In front of the midfield defensive line will sit three attacking maestros – Elano, Kaka and Robinho. The onus will no doubt be on these men to provide the creative impetus to unlocking the opponents defence. If they fail, Villarreal’s Nilmar (who has 8 goals in 11 caps) and potentially even Ronaldino will be there to take their place.
Up front is out-and-out striker Luis Fabiano. 25 goals in 36 caps says it all and his club record this season is just as prominent, 15 goals in 23 games. However, he tends to lack concentration, although if my teammates could move the ball as swiftly as his, I would also be too much in awe to remember why I was there. His boots have a fair chance of matching his country’s top come July 11th.
If Brazil are to make it to the final, they will need to play well from the start. The accumulative world ranking of the teams in Group G (147) is one of the highest but that is due to North Korea (ranked 91st in the World) being in the otherwise “Group of Death”. Portugal scrapped through European qualifying yet obviously should not be underestimated by their Latino counterparts. As for the final spot, the Ivory Coast fill that. And with the World Cup being in Africa for the first time, they will intend to prove that African nations are a dominant force, and who would bet against them showing this?
The Brazilians will no doubt bring the party to South Africa, they also provide very amiable crowd shots. Dunga has added a once exempt defensive approach to the nation’s free-flowing outlook, yet that mind-set still remains strong in many of the players. So does World Cup glory await them again? It seems like a distinct possibility.
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Australia
The men from down under have once more sailed through the qualification stage after only conceding one goal in the entire process and became, not surprisingly, the first team to confirm their place in South Africa, providing them with plenty of time to navigate across the Indian ocean to where they set to start their World Cup campaign in Durban on the 13th of June against Germany.
This will no doubt be a tough opener for the country that may be overawed by the stark contrast of their World Cup group, with Serbia and Ghana also been drawn in Group D, compared to Japan, Qatar, Bahrain and Uzbekistan who they faced to qualify for the tournament, none of whom are renowned footballing nations. This point was exasperated in Australia’s 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign, when they earned the largest ever recorded international victory by beating American Samoa 31-0.
Maybe this is doing them an injustice however, the Socceroos that is, as in 2006 they did show us that they really are a jack of all trades when it comes to sport. After having progressed from a group containing Japan, Croatia and Brazil, Australia met eventual winners Italy in the last 16. That last sentence should give you a clear indication as to which way the match went, however, the scoreline of 1-0 does not tell the true story. Italy went down to 10men after Materazzi saw red, and it took a 93rd minute penalty from Totti to avoid extra-time, the first time in World Cup history that a game had been decided by a last minute penalty in normal time.
The men in green and gold are led by Pim Verbeek, who does have World Cup experience having been the assistant to Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat, who led South Korea in the World Cups of 2002 and 2006, respectively. The Dutchman has openly criticised the A-League in Australia – their equivalent of the Premiership - and will move on after South Africa, but fortunately this does mean many of the more skilful Aussie players have found employment in Europe in a bid to improve their overall ability and chances of making the squad for 2010.
Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer will no doubt be in-between the posts having had an impressive season for Fulham, culminating in an UEFA Cup final appearance for the 37year old. Dynamic fullback Lucas Neill will lead his country out with Patrick Kisnorbo potentially gaining a defensive starting shirt, having beat off Beckford for the plaudit of Leeds United’s “Player of the Year”.
Leeds’ connection does not end there, as Harry Kewell will play a prominent role upfront, potentially being partnered by Middlesbrough’s Scott McDonald. Whereas, the midfield sees Blackburn provide Vince Grella and Brett Emerton, with Everton’s Tim Cahill also a guarantee for a start. An image of Cahill boxing a corner flag in South Africa is almost inevitable.
If Australia do progress from Group D, a last 16 tie against a Group C team awaits. This could mean a tasty tie against England, where obviously many of the Socceroos play their football. A high intensity, competitive match could be in order, but I believe England will just edge it, meaning the Australians will be an unfortunate casualty, after no doubt entertaining the World during the Group stages.
So, despite having a backbone of relatively good football players, Australia, I believe will suffer the same fate as they did in 2006. They will scrap through Group D in second place, and deservedly so, yet England will pose too much of a scalp. Let’s just hope for England that they in turn suffer the same fate as Australian’s victors in 2006.
This will no doubt be a tough opener for the country that may be overawed by the stark contrast of their World Cup group, with Serbia and Ghana also been drawn in Group D, compared to Japan, Qatar, Bahrain and Uzbekistan who they faced to qualify for the tournament, none of whom are renowned footballing nations. This point was exasperated in Australia’s 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign, when they earned the largest ever recorded international victory by beating American Samoa 31-0.
Maybe this is doing them an injustice however, the Socceroos that is, as in 2006 they did show us that they really are a jack of all trades when it comes to sport. After having progressed from a group containing Japan, Croatia and Brazil, Australia met eventual winners Italy in the last 16. That last sentence should give you a clear indication as to which way the match went, however, the scoreline of 1-0 does not tell the true story. Italy went down to 10men after Materazzi saw red, and it took a 93rd minute penalty from Totti to avoid extra-time, the first time in World Cup history that a game had been decided by a last minute penalty in normal time.
The men in green and gold are led by Pim Verbeek, who does have World Cup experience having been the assistant to Guus Hiddink and Dick Advocaat, who led South Korea in the World Cups of 2002 and 2006, respectively. The Dutchman has openly criticised the A-League in Australia – their equivalent of the Premiership - and will move on after South Africa, but fortunately this does mean many of the more skilful Aussie players have found employment in Europe in a bid to improve their overall ability and chances of making the squad for 2010.
Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer will no doubt be in-between the posts having had an impressive season for Fulham, culminating in an UEFA Cup final appearance for the 37year old. Dynamic fullback Lucas Neill will lead his country out with Patrick Kisnorbo potentially gaining a defensive starting shirt, having beat off Beckford for the plaudit of Leeds United’s “Player of the Year”.
Leeds’ connection does not end there, as Harry Kewell will play a prominent role upfront, potentially being partnered by Middlesbrough’s Scott McDonald. Whereas, the midfield sees Blackburn provide Vince Grella and Brett Emerton, with Everton’s Tim Cahill also a guarantee for a start. An image of Cahill boxing a corner flag in South Africa is almost inevitable.
If Australia do progress from Group D, a last 16 tie against a Group C team awaits. This could mean a tasty tie against England, where obviously many of the Socceroos play their football. A high intensity, competitive match could be in order, but I believe England will just edge it, meaning the Australians will be an unfortunate casualty, after no doubt entertaining the World during the Group stages.
So, despite having a backbone of relatively good football players, Australia, I believe will suffer the same fate as they did in 2006. They will scrap through Group D in second place, and deservedly so, yet England will pose too much of a scalp. Let’s just hope for England that they in turn suffer the same fate as Australian’s victors in 2006.
Sometimes Webber Feels Like He's In Barcelona!
The Grand Prix circuit made it to Europe today, despite the continuing disruption caused by the ash cloud over Spain, France and Italy. All the sides made it, with Jenson Button leading the Drivers’ Championship on 60 points, followed by Nico Rosberg on 49. Yet, once again it was the Red Bull Racing team that took qualifying by storm, with Webber and Vettel heading the grid.
The Red Bulls fought off any real chance of anybody passing them on the dart to the first corner, both driving side by side, blocking off any advancing competitors. Come the end of the first lap there had been, surprisingly some may say, no change in the top 6 starting grid positions. Although, Spanish driver Alguersuari, in his home Grand Prix, did manage to weave his way through the field on his way to the first corner from 15th to 9th with some superb driver awareness.
Senna was less capable, compounding a bad weekend by driving off into the tire wall on lap 4. Still, at least he drove a little, Kovalainen’s Lotus failed to make it out of the pit lane.
The fuel was then burnt as the cars raced aimlessly round, attempting to open up gaps to make pit stops remotely interesting, something which the FIA tried to prevent by outlaw refuelling.
The pits proved to be a turning point, as Rosberg provided some excitement in the Mercedes by driving off before his front right wheel was completely on. Rosberg’s Mercedes partner Schumacher managed to pass Button during the pits. Before Hamilton then jumped into second place, thanks to the backmarker di Grassi and, of course, a quicker pit-stop then Vettel.
The next few laps witnessed a fierce battle between former World Champion Michael Schumacher and the current World Champion Jenson Button. McLaren versus Mercedes. German versus Britain. Both challenging for 5th. Not where either driver will have wanted to be. The pair meandered around the track enough to be caught by Massa to make it a three-way fight. But as all three caught up with traffic, Massa misjudged a backmarker and the Brazilian drove straight into the back of Chandhok causing slight damage to his front wing, ending his brief fight for 5th.
Schumacher was using all his knowledge on a track with virtually no passing possibilities to prevent Button from getting ahead of him. With the World Champion seemingly unable to bring the spark or nerve required to do anything about the situation.
As the race continued, it became evidentially clear that I could have spent a good 45minutes of the middle part of the race doing something a little more productive, walk the dog, cook my dinner, gnaw my own eyes out, for the latter would certainly at least prevent me, and would certainly be less painful, from watching the monotony of cars driving around a track going nowhere.
But then, drama on the 55th lap of the 66 lap race, as Sebastian Vettel in 2nd had reliability problems with the Red Bull requiring another pit stop to fix the front right wheel, leaving Lewis Hamilton and Spaniard Fernando Alonso to pass the German. Vettel’s car continued to not working properly giving Schumacher’s pack the chance to catch up. This failed to materialise though.
On the 65th lap though, one lap away from finishing in second place, with Lewis Hamilton pushing frantically in a vain attempt to catch leader Mark Webber in the hope the Australian has a similar problem to his teammate, agony occurred for the Brit. Hamilton got a front left puncture and went off into the tire wall, much to the delight of the Spanish crowd, as Alonso went into the 2nd podium position.
Pole sitter, Mark Webber, crossed the finish line in 1st, having held that position through-out the entire race, for his third ever grand prix victory. Alonso and a limping Vettel claimed second and third. They were followed by a slow Schumacher, a disappointing Button and Massa. Sutil, Kubica, Barrichello and Alguersuari, with the latter two having very good drives, took the remaining points.
So, for the 10th time in 10 years, the pole sitter at Barcelona won, proving Jenson Button’s comment at the start of the race to be profoundly true - ‘Hopefully we can get onto them [the Red Bulls] into Turn One and have a chance of overtaking, otherwise it might be difficult to challenge for a win’. I just wish I had the foresight to have listened.
The Red Bulls fought off any real chance of anybody passing them on the dart to the first corner, both driving side by side, blocking off any advancing competitors. Come the end of the first lap there had been, surprisingly some may say, no change in the top 6 starting grid positions. Although, Spanish driver Alguersuari, in his home Grand Prix, did manage to weave his way through the field on his way to the first corner from 15th to 9th with some superb driver awareness.
Senna was less capable, compounding a bad weekend by driving off into the tire wall on lap 4. Still, at least he drove a little, Kovalainen’s Lotus failed to make it out of the pit lane.
The fuel was then burnt as the cars raced aimlessly round, attempting to open up gaps to make pit stops remotely interesting, something which the FIA tried to prevent by outlaw refuelling.
The pits proved to be a turning point, as Rosberg provided some excitement in the Mercedes by driving off before his front right wheel was completely on. Rosberg’s Mercedes partner Schumacher managed to pass Button during the pits. Before Hamilton then jumped into second place, thanks to the backmarker di Grassi and, of course, a quicker pit-stop then Vettel.
The next few laps witnessed a fierce battle between former World Champion Michael Schumacher and the current World Champion Jenson Button. McLaren versus Mercedes. German versus Britain. Both challenging for 5th. Not where either driver will have wanted to be. The pair meandered around the track enough to be caught by Massa to make it a three-way fight. But as all three caught up with traffic, Massa misjudged a backmarker and the Brazilian drove straight into the back of Chandhok causing slight damage to his front wing, ending his brief fight for 5th.
Schumacher was using all his knowledge on a track with virtually no passing possibilities to prevent Button from getting ahead of him. With the World Champion seemingly unable to bring the spark or nerve required to do anything about the situation.
As the race continued, it became evidentially clear that I could have spent a good 45minutes of the middle part of the race doing something a little more productive, walk the dog, cook my dinner, gnaw my own eyes out, for the latter would certainly at least prevent me, and would certainly be less painful, from watching the monotony of cars driving around a track going nowhere.
But then, drama on the 55th lap of the 66 lap race, as Sebastian Vettel in 2nd had reliability problems with the Red Bull requiring another pit stop to fix the front right wheel, leaving Lewis Hamilton and Spaniard Fernando Alonso to pass the German. Vettel’s car continued to not working properly giving Schumacher’s pack the chance to catch up. This failed to materialise though.
On the 65th lap though, one lap away from finishing in second place, with Lewis Hamilton pushing frantically in a vain attempt to catch leader Mark Webber in the hope the Australian has a similar problem to his teammate, agony occurred for the Brit. Hamilton got a front left puncture and went off into the tire wall, much to the delight of the Spanish crowd, as Alonso went into the 2nd podium position.
Pole sitter, Mark Webber, crossed the finish line in 1st, having held that position through-out the entire race, for his third ever grand prix victory. Alonso and a limping Vettel claimed second and third. They were followed by a slow Schumacher, a disappointing Button and Massa. Sutil, Kubica, Barrichello and Alguersuari, with the latter two having very good drives, took the remaining points.
So, for the 10th time in 10 years, the pole sitter at Barcelona won, proving Jenson Button’s comment at the start of the race to be profoundly true - ‘Hopefully we can get onto them [the Red Bulls] into Turn One and have a chance of overtaking, otherwise it might be difficult to challenge for a win’. I just wish I had the foresight to have listened.
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Argentina
Argentina, one of the nations that stirs the hearts of those north and south of the border more than any other, in quite opposing ways. The two time World Cup Winners have at times shown us sheer greatness on the pitch, echoing if not even usurping their South American Brazilian neighbours. However, flashes of brilliance have often coincided with moments of madness, from a side that adds fight to fluidity.
The prospective squad going to South Africa this summer is no different. With the head coach epitomising this erratic footballing country. Diego Maradona is that man. And his journey through qualification was not an easy one.
Maradona took over the national side managerial role in November 2008, inheriting an Argentine side who had won 4 games, drawn 4 and lost 2 in the 18 match qualifying campaign. In his first competitive game in charge of La Albiceleste (White and Sky blue) he oversaw a 4-0 drumming of Venezuela. Yet, their fortunes changed when in the very next game they themselves were annihilated 6-1 by strugglers Bolivia. A 92nd minute goal from Palermo earned a much needed victory against bottom side Peru, setting up a “winner takes all” match against Uruguay in the final group match, with all being the final automatic spot. Bollati sent Maradona’s side to South Africa in the 84th minute (Although, Uruguay also made it after beating Costa Rica in the play-off match).
Despite their qualification, Maradona was issued a 2 month ban and £25,000 fine after telling the media to “suck it and keep on sucking it”. He has also fallen out with the inspirational Riquelme, who has subsequently retired from international football, insisting he cannot play under Maradona. Although, as magical as some of his football was in contrast to his managerial career thus far, Diego at least has managed to succeed in something that only “the Special One” Jose Mourinho has, by turning potentially the world’s newest “Greatest Ever Player” into something people simply refer to as average. Admittedly however, Mourinho was managing a side playing against Messi, as oppose to with him.
Messi will need to shine if Argentina are going to win for the first time since Maradona himself scored not only the “Greatest ever Goal”, but also the “Hand of God” in 1986. Fortunately, Argentina find themselves in a relatively easy group, group B, with Nigeria, South Korea and Greece awaiting them in South Africa. Although, all three are hardworking teams, Nigeria and Greece both failed to qualify for Germany 2006, and South Korea went out in the group stages. However, with Maradona at the helm, a shock exit may be on the cards.
Even without Riquelme, the South American side hosts a wealth of superstars. The defensive options boast the likes of Walter Samuel and Javier Zanetti – who has been capped an amazing 136 times. The midfield includes captain Javier Mascherano, Esteban Cambiasso(who is one of my personal favourite players yet clearlt not one of Maradona's), Maxi Rodriguez and even former great Juan Sebastian Veron may grace us with his presence. Maradona described his team as "Mascherano and 10 others". I just hope the Liverpool midfielder lets his feet do the talking and not his mouth, as so often is the case. If that wasn’t enough Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Diego Milito may all be in the running for the golden boot award come the final.
History has shown us that, despite Argentina’s ability to play engaging attacking football, ill-discipline can be their downfall. Therefore, a strong leader is needed to guide the team to victory. A leader with stability and authority, attributes Maradona appears not to possess. Of course on the world’s greatest stage we should be talking about the world’s greatest players, and in some roundabout way we are. Maradona was, and still is, one of the best players ever. However, I fear for Argentina that we may be talking more about the manager than the players during this campaign, potentially leading to a shock group stage exit. Although, now I have said that, they will probably go on and win it...
The prospective squad going to South Africa this summer is no different. With the head coach epitomising this erratic footballing country. Diego Maradona is that man. And his journey through qualification was not an easy one.
Maradona took over the national side managerial role in November 2008, inheriting an Argentine side who had won 4 games, drawn 4 and lost 2 in the 18 match qualifying campaign. In his first competitive game in charge of La Albiceleste (White and Sky blue) he oversaw a 4-0 drumming of Venezuela. Yet, their fortunes changed when in the very next game they themselves were annihilated 6-1 by strugglers Bolivia. A 92nd minute goal from Palermo earned a much needed victory against bottom side Peru, setting up a “winner takes all” match against Uruguay in the final group match, with all being the final automatic spot. Bollati sent Maradona’s side to South Africa in the 84th minute (Although, Uruguay also made it after beating Costa Rica in the play-off match).
Despite their qualification, Maradona was issued a 2 month ban and £25,000 fine after telling the media to “suck it and keep on sucking it”. He has also fallen out with the inspirational Riquelme, who has subsequently retired from international football, insisting he cannot play under Maradona. Although, as magical as some of his football was in contrast to his managerial career thus far, Diego at least has managed to succeed in something that only “the Special One” Jose Mourinho has, by turning potentially the world’s newest “Greatest Ever Player” into something people simply refer to as average. Admittedly however, Mourinho was managing a side playing against Messi, as oppose to with him.
Messi will need to shine if Argentina are going to win for the first time since Maradona himself scored not only the “Greatest ever Goal”, but also the “Hand of God” in 1986. Fortunately, Argentina find themselves in a relatively easy group, group B, with Nigeria, South Korea and Greece awaiting them in South Africa. Although, all three are hardworking teams, Nigeria and Greece both failed to qualify for Germany 2006, and South Korea went out in the group stages. However, with Maradona at the helm, a shock exit may be on the cards.
Even without Riquelme, the South American side hosts a wealth of superstars. The defensive options boast the likes of Walter Samuel and Javier Zanetti – who has been capped an amazing 136 times. The midfield includes captain Javier Mascherano, Esteban Cambiasso(who is one of my personal favourite players yet clearlt not one of Maradona's), Maxi Rodriguez and even former great Juan Sebastian Veron may grace us with his presence. Maradona described his team as "Mascherano and 10 others". I just hope the Liverpool midfielder lets his feet do the talking and not his mouth, as so often is the case. If that wasn’t enough Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Diego Milito may all be in the running for the golden boot award come the final.
History has shown us that, despite Argentina’s ability to play engaging attacking football, ill-discipline can be their downfall. Therefore, a strong leader is needed to guide the team to victory. A leader with stability and authority, attributes Maradona appears not to possess. Of course on the world’s greatest stage we should be talking about the world’s greatest players, and in some roundabout way we are. Maradona was, and still is, one of the best players ever. However, I fear for Argentina that we may be talking more about the manager than the players during this campaign, potentially leading to a shock group stage exit. Although, now I have said that, they will probably go on and win it...
Friday, 7 May 2010
Algeria
With only 35 days left before the World Cup in South Africa commences, it is only right to provide a run-through of the teams involved in the greatest show on earth. Heading the list is a team that is likely to be one of the first catching a return flight back to their homeland once the group stages have finished – Algeria.
However, just getting to the World Cup is an achievement in itself, with Algeria only been represented in the finals in Spain ‘82 and Mexico’ 86. In the 6 matches they have partaken in, the Desert Foxes have averaged a goal a game and have conceded just under 2 per match. Yet, this does not tell the true story. In Mexico, the campaign was a slight disappointment, having lost 1-0 to Brazil, 3-0 to Spain and with a 1-1 draw against Northern Ireland all they could muster. The 1982 World Cup though, proved a different story.
The Algerian’s won their first ever World Cup match against none other but the current European Champions West Germany, recording a famous 2-1 victory. The side then went on to lose to Austria 2-0, before narrowly beating the groups whipping boys Chile, 3-2. Therefore, if Germany were to beat Austria, all three countries – Algeria, Austria and West Germany – would end on 6 points, meaning that goal difference counted. A 1-0 victory for West Germany against Austria the day after Algeria’s game against Chile would mean that both the European sides would progress, so when West Germany went 1-0 up after 10 minutes, both sides appeared to come to unofficial agreement to kick the ball aimlessly around for the remaining 80minutes, meaning Algeria went out. This match is why the final group stage games are played simultaneously, to prevent teams fixing the result.
As for the road to South Africa, Algeria made it after overcoming bitter rivals Egypt 1-0 in a play-off match, having lost to the Pharaohs merely four days previously in the group stages of qualifying. Egypt did exact their revenge in the African Cup of Nations thrashing their North African counter-parts 4-0 on route to lifting the trophy. Encouragingly for England, who are one of the teams in Group C with Algeria, a friendly with Egypt at Wembley in March ended in a 3-1 victory to the home side.
England are the seeded side in Group C with the two remaining places being filled by Slovenia and, potentially, Algeria’s main challengers to progression, the USA. This is undoubtedly one of the supposedly easier groups in South Africa, yet England should progress leaving a straight fight between the other three nations for that final qualifying spot. Slovenia will provide an even match whilst the USA have become a dogged force in World football, having reached the quarter-finals in 2002 before being knocked out in the “Group of Death” in 2006. Although, they did achieve the accolade of being the only team who did not lose to eventual champions Italy, in a 1-1 draw.
Rabah Saadane managers the African side who, for the ladies out there, play in a bland white home strip. If colour is what you imagine when you think of South Africa, be prepared to be disappointed with Group C as England, Slovenia and the USA also all play in white... Let’s hope the football is more imaginative.
Unlike the manager, the current squad does house some recognisable names with Bougherra (Rangers), Belhadj (Portsmouth), Yebda (Portsmouth), Ghilas (Hull City) and Guedioura (Wolves) all hopefuls for South Africa. Bougherra and Belhadj will create some stability in defence however, both are effectively French rejects choosing to play for the country of their fathers, instead of the country they represented at International Under 23 and 18 level, respectively. Yebda will no doubt make his presence felt in the centre of midfield, yet a failure to start consistently for Portsmouth tells its own story. The same goes for Ghilas, who despite signs of promise at the beginning of the season, has failed to play a more prominent role in preventing Hull City for regulation.
35 year old Istres striker Rafik Saifi is the highest scorer in the current side, on a measly 18 goals. However, if Algeria are going to progress past the group stages for the first time in their nation’s history, the French Ligue 2 striker may provide the required experience to slot away any potential opportunity of a goal whilst also keeping a cool head. Unlike the players who competed in the last competitive game for Algeria, the African Cup of Nations semi-final against Egypt, where Rafik Halliche, Nadir Belhadj and Fawzi Chaouchi all saw red.
So the Desert Foxes are no doubt just glad to be at World Cup in 2010. Which is lucky as realistically, with their main stars being French international rejects coupled with the fact that some of them play for teams who just got relegated from the Premiership, they stand little chance of remaining in South Africa come 24th June. However, against three sides they have never competed against in International football, they may provide some surprise and advance to the second round, where they will undoubtedly go out.
However, just getting to the World Cup is an achievement in itself, with Algeria only been represented in the finals in Spain ‘82 and Mexico’ 86. In the 6 matches they have partaken in, the Desert Foxes have averaged a goal a game and have conceded just under 2 per match. Yet, this does not tell the true story. In Mexico, the campaign was a slight disappointment, having lost 1-0 to Brazil, 3-0 to Spain and with a 1-1 draw against Northern Ireland all they could muster. The 1982 World Cup though, proved a different story.
The Algerian’s won their first ever World Cup match against none other but the current European Champions West Germany, recording a famous 2-1 victory. The side then went on to lose to Austria 2-0, before narrowly beating the groups whipping boys Chile, 3-2. Therefore, if Germany were to beat Austria, all three countries – Algeria, Austria and West Germany – would end on 6 points, meaning that goal difference counted. A 1-0 victory for West Germany against Austria the day after Algeria’s game against Chile would mean that both the European sides would progress, so when West Germany went 1-0 up after 10 minutes, both sides appeared to come to unofficial agreement to kick the ball aimlessly around for the remaining 80minutes, meaning Algeria went out. This match is why the final group stage games are played simultaneously, to prevent teams fixing the result.
As for the road to South Africa, Algeria made it after overcoming bitter rivals Egypt 1-0 in a play-off match, having lost to the Pharaohs merely four days previously in the group stages of qualifying. Egypt did exact their revenge in the African Cup of Nations thrashing their North African counter-parts 4-0 on route to lifting the trophy. Encouragingly for England, who are one of the teams in Group C with Algeria, a friendly with Egypt at Wembley in March ended in a 3-1 victory to the home side.
England are the seeded side in Group C with the two remaining places being filled by Slovenia and, potentially, Algeria’s main challengers to progression, the USA. This is undoubtedly one of the supposedly easier groups in South Africa, yet England should progress leaving a straight fight between the other three nations for that final qualifying spot. Slovenia will provide an even match whilst the USA have become a dogged force in World football, having reached the quarter-finals in 2002 before being knocked out in the “Group of Death” in 2006. Although, they did achieve the accolade of being the only team who did not lose to eventual champions Italy, in a 1-1 draw.
Rabah Saadane managers the African side who, for the ladies out there, play in a bland white home strip. If colour is what you imagine when you think of South Africa, be prepared to be disappointed with Group C as England, Slovenia and the USA also all play in white... Let’s hope the football is more imaginative.
Unlike the manager, the current squad does house some recognisable names with Bougherra (Rangers), Belhadj (Portsmouth), Yebda (Portsmouth), Ghilas (Hull City) and Guedioura (Wolves) all hopefuls for South Africa. Bougherra and Belhadj will create some stability in defence however, both are effectively French rejects choosing to play for the country of their fathers, instead of the country they represented at International Under 23 and 18 level, respectively. Yebda will no doubt make his presence felt in the centre of midfield, yet a failure to start consistently for Portsmouth tells its own story. The same goes for Ghilas, who despite signs of promise at the beginning of the season, has failed to play a more prominent role in preventing Hull City for regulation.
35 year old Istres striker Rafik Saifi is the highest scorer in the current side, on a measly 18 goals. However, if Algeria are going to progress past the group stages for the first time in their nation’s history, the French Ligue 2 striker may provide the required experience to slot away any potential opportunity of a goal whilst also keeping a cool head. Unlike the players who competed in the last competitive game for Algeria, the African Cup of Nations semi-final against Egypt, where Rafik Halliche, Nadir Belhadj and Fawzi Chaouchi all saw red.
So the Desert Foxes are no doubt just glad to be at World Cup in 2010. Which is lucky as realistically, with their main stars being French international rejects coupled with the fact that some of them play for teams who just got relegated from the Premiership, they stand little chance of remaining in South Africa come 24th June. However, against three sides they have never competed against in International football, they may provide some surprise and advance to the second round, where they will undoubtedly go out.
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