The Bafana Bafana. The Vuvuzela. Soccer City. Diego Forlan and David Villa. The Cup, from the year 2010, is now over.
Thank you, because it was brilliant.
Thank you, and now I'm a little sad...
El Roja deserved to win today. Robben had the chance to sneak a goal via a brilliant through ball from Sneijder (I think) and Casillas made perhaps the most well-timed sprawl a keeper can make. But can I deny Stekelenburg's amazing save of Sergio Ramos' first (and more difficult) header?
Yes, the game was sloppy, nervous, and indecisive. But damn, those keepers had a game.
To me, the whole tournament rewarded and penalized in a just fashion. The unfortunate circumstances of some squads were little more than an inevitable reality check from teams that played too loose. The ambitious, driven squads awed and upset opponents but were eventually found lacking. The counter-attack was successful (and fashionable) but ultimately, the possessive, patient teams won.
Many say this cup lacked in sport. I'm not one of those persons.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
David Villa with a dead leg?!
Reports coming in that David Villa wasn't walking around all that comfortably on Friday. True they've been busy for weeks now playing games and fatigue/strain is a possibility. But what does this mean? Is Torres in at the beginning perhaps? Do we see Villa subbing in late? Hmmmm.... Little bit of Dutch luck, as Rud Guilit has been saying from the beginning...
With Suarez back, does Uruguay have a chance?
Some pundits argued that Saurez being out for the Dutch semi-final match allowed Uruguay to field a more defensive team, possibly setting up an upset over the newly re-mastered Clockwork Oranje. Ultimately, it didn't matter in that game, as we all know, though I would say quite a match to watch for excitement and play.
But now, for the consolation prize of third place, I wonder, does Uruguay maybe want it more than Germany? Remember, Germany has won third place in the last two World Cups so I could be way off my mark as recent history suggests that third for Deautschland is far superior than fourth. But still, something about this whole tournament to me I feel gives Uruguay almost an edge, as if they have one more trick, one more stalwart performance left in them, and maybe with Saurez back in there, hungry and frothing at the mouth after watching the last game in suit and tie, we do see it: the upset over the Germans. Go Diego Forlan!
As far as the final goes, Spain need do little more than match the mastery of their performance against the Germans. Though I hate to admit, the play of Pedro over Torres at the beginning was a brilliant strategic move that bolstered their defense against the counter-attack and also provided a different kind of movement from the right side of the field. El Roja would be foolish not to field the exact same starting eleven.
I have a hard time seeing Spain lose tomorrow but if they do, Dirk Kuyt will have a hand in it, not as the scorer, but as the set-up man, transition hustler. Him and his goofy ears too.
Anyway, it's been a tournament.
But now, for the consolation prize of third place, I wonder, does Uruguay maybe want it more than Germany? Remember, Germany has won third place in the last two World Cups so I could be way off my mark as recent history suggests that third for Deautschland is far superior than fourth. But still, something about this whole tournament to me I feel gives Uruguay almost an edge, as if they have one more trick, one more stalwart performance left in them, and maybe with Saurez back in there, hungry and frothing at the mouth after watching the last game in suit and tie, we do see it: the upset over the Germans. Go Diego Forlan!
As far as the final goes, Spain need do little more than match the mastery of their performance against the Germans. Though I hate to admit, the play of Pedro over Torres at the beginning was a brilliant strategic move that bolstered their defense against the counter-attack and also provided a different kind of movement from the right side of the field. El Roja would be foolish not to field the exact same starting eleven.
I have a hard time seeing Spain lose tomorrow but if they do, Dirk Kuyt will have a hand in it, not as the scorer, but as the set-up man, transition hustler. Him and his goofy ears too.
Anyway, it's been a tournament.
Friday, July 9, 2010
The 'ol what if all our best athletes played soccer question...
Patrick Hruby does a pretty good job of explaining why, for example, Patrick Willis on defense wouldn't make the U.S. team any better just because he's such a dominating athlete. Though his answer is a little one-dimensional, still interesting reading.
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/columns/story/_/id/5352349/ce/us/lebron-not-save-us-soccer?cc=5901&ver=us
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/columns/story/_/id/5352349/ce/us/lebron-not-save-us-soccer?cc=5901&ver=us
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
ESSSSPPPAGGNNNAAA!!!!!
Yes, the Dutch did win as well, but the real game (and we all know this) was Germany v. Spain. And guess what? Spain has a little bit better of a defense than Argentina. (Goal scorer Puyol, Pique.) And England. (See parenthetical comment before.)
I suppose we should also mention that feeder Muller wasn't on the field AND the tactical change of Pedro in the midfield over Torres up front. Pedro had an amazing game, causing troubles for the German side throughout the first half, both on the dribble and passing. Muller, absent, couldn't feed the perfect counter attack ball, nor could he maintain the calm that he established through the side throughout the tournament.
Then again, I don't think Muller had to worry about coming from behind before. (Correct me when I'm wrong please.)
So now it's two of my more favorite teams in the final: The Netherlands and The Spain. Oh wait, I guess The Spain doesn't need the article.
Anyway, we all know what the Netherlands need to do to win: Take the ball away from Spain. Then they can pretty much do with it what they will - just don't let the Spanish pressure you until cracking. All their wins are the same (Spain that is): 65% ball control, the game always in their opponents half, swarm defense on the counter-attack. It's not a bad plan really - until someone scores and their goal total minimalism becomes a stark and obvious flaw.
The Dutch, for their part, have plenty of urgency and desire to win the cup. Then there's the fact that they have some amazing players. Truly amazing players - I think Arjen Robben is unparalleled in this tournament for sheer impact on the game. Then, to balance things off, there's Dirk Kuyt. I'm a Liverpool supporter so I know about Dirk, but my god, that guy plays hard. He looks a little scary - his ears connote dude from Goonies. Hey you guys, what about Wesley Sneijder? Wow. Him and Schweinie were some of the best of this tournament. (Bye-bye Schweinie...)
All I'm saying is that I like both Holland and Spain as far as football is concerned but I have to root for one team. That team is...
Espagne!!!!!!
I say Spain beats Holland 2 -1.
By the way, nice work Grand Poobah for picking the two in the final. Kudos.
I suppose we should also mention that feeder Muller wasn't on the field AND the tactical change of Pedro in the midfield over Torres up front. Pedro had an amazing game, causing troubles for the German side throughout the first half, both on the dribble and passing. Muller, absent, couldn't feed the perfect counter attack ball, nor could he maintain the calm that he established through the side throughout the tournament.
Then again, I don't think Muller had to worry about coming from behind before. (Correct me when I'm wrong please.)
So now it's two of my more favorite teams in the final: The Netherlands and The Spain. Oh wait, I guess The Spain doesn't need the article.
Anyway, we all know what the Netherlands need to do to win: Take the ball away from Spain. Then they can pretty much do with it what they will - just don't let the Spanish pressure you until cracking. All their wins are the same (Spain that is): 65% ball control, the game always in their opponents half, swarm defense on the counter-attack. It's not a bad plan really - until someone scores and their goal total minimalism becomes a stark and obvious flaw.
The Dutch, for their part, have plenty of urgency and desire to win the cup. Then there's the fact that they have some amazing players. Truly amazing players - I think Arjen Robben is unparalleled in this tournament for sheer impact on the game. Then, to balance things off, there's Dirk Kuyt. I'm a Liverpool supporter so I know about Dirk, but my god, that guy plays hard. He looks a little scary - his ears connote dude from Goonies. Hey you guys, what about Wesley Sneijder? Wow. Him and Schweinie were some of the best of this tournament. (Bye-bye Schweinie...)
All I'm saying is that I like both Holland and Spain as far as football is concerned but I have to root for one team. That team is...
Espagne!!!!!!
I say Spain beats Holland 2 -1.
By the way, nice work Grand Poobah for picking the two in the final. Kudos.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Deautschland making impressive moves...
It's the Euro 2008 final all over again - even with that boyish Torres going into the game still without a goal. Of course anyone at all paying attention knows the real scare for the German side is David Vila who, if the tournament were to end right now, would win the Golden Boot for his 5 goals. One of the other likely candidates? His counterpart on the German side he goes up against in the semis - Miroslav Klose.
As for Argentina, poor Diego Maradona who clearly was in agony as Germany picked through the porous Argentine defense. There were some concerns about their defending capabilities from the start, just not their goal scoring prowess. Unfortunately for L'Albiceleste, they could not match the Germans and their technical, unselfish, merciless counter attack play.
I have to admit it, I was going for Uruguay. Yeah, I know, I should have had more love for the last remaining African side, and I thought I did. In truth I had grown to like the tenacious (did you see that hand ball on the line!?!) play of Saurez and the amazing overall gameplay of Diego Forlan. And Ghana beat us. Twice. Knocked us out of two successive World Cups and there's no real way to get around that.
Anyway, the Dutch I still like. Arjen Robben is as good of a playmaker as there is in the tournament and his squad deserves to be where they are. I definitely did not see that win coming over Brazil but that's why the games are played.
So, I think it'll be Netherland v. Germany in the final, as I don't see Spain capable of stopping the prolific Germans while Uruguay can struggle all they want but you don't beat Brazil just to lose at the next stage to Uruguay. Right? Hmmm...
As for Argentina, poor Diego Maradona who clearly was in agony as Germany picked through the porous Argentine defense. There were some concerns about their defending capabilities from the start, just not their goal scoring prowess. Unfortunately for L'Albiceleste, they could not match the Germans and their technical, unselfish, merciless counter attack play.
I have to admit it, I was going for Uruguay. Yeah, I know, I should have had more love for the last remaining African side, and I thought I did. In truth I had grown to like the tenacious (did you see that hand ball on the line!?!) play of Saurez and the amazing overall gameplay of Diego Forlan. And Ghana beat us. Twice. Knocked us out of two successive World Cups and there's no real way to get around that.
Anyway, the Dutch I still like. Arjen Robben is as good of a playmaker as there is in the tournament and his squad deserves to be where they are. I definitely did not see that win coming over Brazil but that's why the games are played.
So, I think it'll be Netherland v. Germany in the final, as I don't see Spain capable of stopping the prolific Germans while Uruguay can struggle all they want but you don't beat Brazil just to lose at the next stage to Uruguay. Right? Hmmm...
Saturday, June 26, 2010
The better team won.
I'm done. I'm slightly excited about the fact that I don't have to anymore. I'm not a journalist, obviously. Cheers...
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Step 1. Ghana Step 2. Uruguay/S.Korea Step 3. Semifinals...
The dust has settled and though the couch still slants forward with its broken leg, we're all upright with that win. More later.
Friday, June 18, 2010
The Third Goal: Offsides or Roman/Greco wrestling?
First of all, it has to be said: What. A. Comeback. Donovan - who hits the underside, the ceiling of the netting? Nice. Boy Bradley - way not to think about it. Hit the ball anyway you can at the goal. Thank you.
So we got some moxie - to go along with their bad luck. More on that in a minute.
At the beginning of the game I applauded the young Torres' inclusion in the squad. He had played well up until today, when he appeared in just a little over his head. It didn't help having Onyewu playing soft in the back giving the Slovenians room to square up with Timmy. (See first goal.) Then again I can't put it all on Guch. During the first half the entire U.S. squad looked uninspired, slow, and about as bad as the qualifiers during the Confederations cup last summer when we embarrassed off the pitch. I applaud Coach for making some key changes in the second half and getting that team running and playing like they wanted it.
Findley's yellow was a joke. The ball hits him in the face clearly and now we don't get him for Algeria. That's the first F U from the ref.
Then there's Maurice Edu's game winning goal that wasn't. Even though Jozy (nice second half, by the way) goes down pretty easy in a very Italian fashion to win us that free kick, I'd still take that goal. I was screaming as much as the next until I realized the score on ESPN hadn't changed yet. Was Bradley so locked in embrace with the defender behind him that the sideline official couldn't see that Bradley was even with not only his marker, but also the leg of the player marking Altidore? Even then, the ball was played to Edu, so - and this is the gray area - Bradley doesn't make a play on the ball, so depending on who you ask, it wouldn't be offsides anyway. Finally, Bradley's glistening, fleshy skull, if an eyebrow offsides he was (I said, IF) then Slovenia's second goal was offsides as well (by the sweat on the striker in green's knee).
Basically, I'm trying to find a reason for the call and I CAN NOT! Bullshit I say! BULL-SHIT!
Oh and there were two other amazing games today as well. The short of it - Klose's second yellow was exactly that, a yellow card infraction, but his first - incidental contact when hustling back after a missed opportunity - was NOT a penalty. I'll say Algeria's goal was nice (the right winger with the bleached hair was man of the match for me) but it's impossible to separate Klose's sending off and the goal a few minutes later. Tough break for the Germans, and now our group has a lot to think about since 1st place might have to play the Germans in the next round.
Okay, my Three Lions - man I hate those guys right now. Both hands are sore from slamming the granite bar top at Thirsty Lion this morning. Wayne Rooney where the fuck are you?! Stevie G - why don't you shoot the ball when you're dribbling up to goal?!?! Did you forget how to do that?!?! Huh?!?
Still, there loss helps us, these self-destructive United States of America. And if I recall, we finished up okay last summer - even if we did blow a massive lead to those samba-stylin' Brazilians in the final.
Essentially, it's not over. And I lost my voice for the second time this Cup. Cheers.
So we got some moxie - to go along with their bad luck. More on that in a minute.
At the beginning of the game I applauded the young Torres' inclusion in the squad. He had played well up until today, when he appeared in just a little over his head. It didn't help having Onyewu playing soft in the back giving the Slovenians room to square up with Timmy. (See first goal.) Then again I can't put it all on Guch. During the first half the entire U.S. squad looked uninspired, slow, and about as bad as the qualifiers during the Confederations cup last summer when we embarrassed off the pitch. I applaud Coach for making some key changes in the second half and getting that team running and playing like they wanted it.
Findley's yellow was a joke. The ball hits him in the face clearly and now we don't get him for Algeria. That's the first F U from the ref.
Then there's Maurice Edu's game winning goal that wasn't. Even though Jozy (nice second half, by the way) goes down pretty easy in a very Italian fashion to win us that free kick, I'd still take that goal. I was screaming as much as the next until I realized the score on ESPN hadn't changed yet. Was Bradley so locked in embrace with the defender behind him that the sideline official couldn't see that Bradley was even with not only his marker, but also the leg of the player marking Altidore? Even then, the ball was played to Edu, so - and this is the gray area - Bradley doesn't make a play on the ball, so depending on who you ask, it wouldn't be offsides anyway. Finally, Bradley's glistening, fleshy skull, if an eyebrow offsides he was (I said, IF) then Slovenia's second goal was offsides as well (by the sweat on the striker in green's knee).
Basically, I'm trying to find a reason for the call and I CAN NOT! Bullshit I say! BULL-SHIT!
Oh and there were two other amazing games today as well. The short of it - Klose's second yellow was exactly that, a yellow card infraction, but his first - incidental contact when hustling back after a missed opportunity - was NOT a penalty. I'll say Algeria's goal was nice (the right winger with the bleached hair was man of the match for me) but it's impossible to separate Klose's sending off and the goal a few minutes later. Tough break for the Germans, and now our group has a lot to think about since 1st place might have to play the Germans in the next round.
Okay, my Three Lions - man I hate those guys right now. Both hands are sore from slamming the granite bar top at Thirsty Lion this morning. Wayne Rooney where the fuck are you?! Stevie G - why don't you shoot the ball when you're dribbling up to goal?!?! Did you forget how to do that?!?! Huh?!?
Still, there loss helps us, these self-destructive United States of America. And if I recall, we finished up okay last summer - even if we did blow a massive lead to those samba-stylin' Brazilians in the final.
Essentially, it's not over. And I lost my voice for the second time this Cup. Cheers.
Stupid state of Oregon won't serve me booze for another 3 hours...
Actually the coffee's hitting the spot, sweetened nicely with a great match-up between the sharp German squad and Dejan Stankovic's Serbian team, who already with one loss, have to win. The anthems...
Match Day 8 and a few surprises, though it's definitely not finished. What they are, my brain isn't awake enough for the moment to elaborate.
No blogging during gameplay!
Match Day 8 and a few surprises, though it's definitely not finished. What they are, my brain isn't awake enough for the moment to elaborate.
No blogging during gameplay!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Is the ball really a bitch?
I say yes!! Too many good players are sending the ball sailing. Louis Fabiano, with the ball at his feet facing goal 18 yards away DOES NOT send that ball high and outside.... I'm not saying all the atrocious shots are the fault of an Adidas ball too light and flighty BUT definitely some. If you recall, in 2006 the ball favored the strikers, 'moving too much in the air' a constant refrain by the keepers. So this shit really does happen!
And Poobah, No, I think Howard deserves a Top 5 ranking. Give me five others. I can think of four. Turtle boy Petr Cech is scared now that he lost part of his skull. He is not on my list. Good point about Buffon, though I think he still plays the rest of this tourney.
Just sayin...
And Poobah, No, I think Howard deserves a Top 5 ranking. Give me five others. I can think of four. Turtle boy Petr Cech is scared now that he lost part of his skull. He is not on my list. Good point about Buffon, though I think he still plays the rest of this tourney.
Just sayin...
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
World Peace? By the number of ties, I'd say it's doable...
Then there's all the gift wins too - even if Ghana deserved theirs. It's all a bit a bit cautious with a few exceptions.
Germany - With the side viewed as somewhat overconfident heading into the cup, their clinical dismantling of the Aussie Socceroos belies a justly confident squad. It is the new German generation of Mueller, Schweinsteiger, Cacau and others. Oh yeah, then there's the Poles - Klose and Podolski. Yeah they contribute a little bit too. I see little stopping the Germans from rolling through the group - something I wasn't too sure about with Ballack out before. Mistake Chimpo.
South Korea - Did you know they've never lost their first game of the World Cup Finals before? Damn. Apparently, if I heard the announcer right, neither has the Dutch. (And the Oranje's record goes back to the 1930's, while Korea's... maybe not quite as far.) Still, S. Korea and the boys in red hit the ground running and are probably still running in place as they wait for their next game against... Argentina.
So, was Lio Messi just being nice to not score all over the face of Nigeria the other day? Did you notice the blur of his legs as split defenders left and right? I think he had a ball with him. Still, to not hit the back 'of the ol onion bag' (as Andy Gray and Tommy Smythe always talk about during Champions League) is huge for the young master. He had a total of eight shots - all on target and he couldn't finish. Let's not take away anything from the Nigerian keeper who was HUGE in there, but Messi needs to score, as he hasn't for his national side, La Albiceleste, in the passed 8 games that he's played for them. Think I got that right...
Couple of notes:
My cousin, watching the U.S. game in Bismark, North Dakota (it's a small province on the Siberian peninsula), asked my opinion of Tim Howard's ranking in the world of goalkeeping. Before the game, I said, slightly overrated, makes some mistakes, Top 10. Timmy, I stand corrected - Top 5. (Buffon, Cassillas, couple of others that I'm too lazy to think of right now.)
And this Green character from England - yeah way to fucking blow it. But he didn't blow it on Altidore's near post blast that would have given the U.S. a full 3 points and England none. THAT was quite a save.
Despite the tie, I think Italy looks sharp, just without too much creativity. This will change with the return of Andrea Pirlo for the last game of the group stage. They're trouble, no doubt.
And finally, Japan. Not bad... Not bad at all. Now what the fuck are you doing E'To'o?
Gotta go to work. poor Cristiano... only the woodwork...
I've been lagging. Maybe it was the ten hours at the bar on Saturday followed by the rounds through sunny (for the first time in a while) Portland that left this supporter a little flat-footed covering the rest of the games.
Germany - With the side viewed as somewhat overconfident heading into the cup, their clinical dismantling of the Aussie Socceroos belies a justly confident squad. It is the new German generation of Mueller, Schweinsteiger, Cacau and others. Oh yeah, then there's the Poles - Klose and Podolski. Yeah they contribute a little bit too. I see little stopping the Germans from rolling through the group - something I wasn't too sure about with Ballack out before. Mistake Chimpo.
South Korea - Did you know they've never lost their first game of the World Cup Finals before? Damn. Apparently, if I heard the announcer right, neither has the Dutch. (And the Oranje's record goes back to the 1930's, while Korea's... maybe not quite as far.) Still, S. Korea and the boys in red hit the ground running and are probably still running in place as they wait for their next game against... Argentina.
So, was Lio Messi just being nice to not score all over the face of Nigeria the other day? Did you notice the blur of his legs as split defenders left and right? I think he had a ball with him. Still, to not hit the back 'of the ol onion bag' (as Andy Gray and Tommy Smythe always talk about during Champions League) is huge for the young master. He had a total of eight shots - all on target and he couldn't finish. Let's not take away anything from the Nigerian keeper who was HUGE in there, but Messi needs to score, as he hasn't for his national side, La Albiceleste, in the passed 8 games that he's played for them. Think I got that right...
Couple of notes:
My cousin, watching the U.S. game in Bismark, North Dakota (it's a small province on the Siberian peninsula), asked my opinion of Tim Howard's ranking in the world of goalkeeping. Before the game, I said, slightly overrated, makes some mistakes, Top 10. Timmy, I stand corrected - Top 5. (Buffon, Cassillas, couple of others that I'm too lazy to think of right now.)
And this Green character from England - yeah way to fucking blow it. But he didn't blow it on Altidore's near post blast that would have given the U.S. a full 3 points and England none. THAT was quite a save.
Despite the tie, I think Italy looks sharp, just without too much creativity. This will change with the return of Andrea Pirlo for the last game of the group stage. They're trouble, no doubt.
And finally, Japan. Not bad... Not bad at all. Now what the fuck are you doing E'To'o?
Gotta go to work. poor Cristiano... only the woodwork...
I've been lagging. Maybe it was the ten hours at the bar on Saturday followed by the rounds through sunny (for the first time in a while) Portland that left this supporter a little flat-footed covering the rest of the games.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
We got the tie. Sweeeeeet.
What to say about a team that looked sharp on the ball, had numerous opportunities and kept control for a good portion of the time?
We got lucky.
Oh, and England is doomed to never have a keeper. More later.
We got lucky.
Oh, and England is doomed to never have a keeper. More later.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Man I suck at picking games...
So I'm down a few thou but it's early, and I blame it all on Greece. Something about picking 64 scores in one sitting with a 32oz stein in hand. Hmmm...
Friday, June 11, 2010
Okay... So I finished my picks...
Soooooo I've got Brazil winning this thing over England in the final and so what? Let me break it down for you a little further.
The only reason Holland aren't in the finals is because they lose in the semis to Brazil - otherwise, with Arjen Robben fit - I don't think there's a better team in the tournament.
Except maybe, for Spain? Perennial underachievers, the Spanish won Euro 2008, but lost to the U.S. in 2009. (Confederations Cup semis.) For real, Spain is legitimate and the only reason I don't have them in the final, no to mention even winning it, is because I have Fabio Capello's Three Lions (England) defeating Spain in the semis, 2 - 1.
And where's Italy? Believe it or not, I don't have them past the round of 16, where they lose to the magnificent Samuel Eto'o and Cameroon. I just don't think the Azzurri (Italy) have it this time. I know, it's been said in past tournaments as well. (See Germany 2006.)
Finally, my beloved Argentina. How do they fall? England defeats them, in a glorious quarterfinal match that reflects Maradona's legacy - he's great on the field but otherwise you're afraid to admit he's your friend. Diego Maradona is not a manager. I could see him hiring some guy to advise him from behind the scenes while he absorbs the media spotlight.
But damn I wish I was wrong.
Messi, do it. Prove me wrong.
No one else is allowed to though so BACK OFF!
Cheers... Enjoy the cup!!!!! (I'd be blowing my vuvuzela now if I had one...)
The only reason Holland aren't in the finals is because they lose in the semis to Brazil - otherwise, with Arjen Robben fit - I don't think there's a better team in the tournament.
Except maybe, for Spain? Perennial underachievers, the Spanish won Euro 2008, but lost to the U.S. in 2009. (Confederations Cup semis.) For real, Spain is legitimate and the only reason I don't have them in the final, no to mention even winning it, is because I have Fabio Capello's Three Lions (England) defeating Spain in the semis, 2 - 1.
And where's Italy? Believe it or not, I don't have them past the round of 16, where they lose to the magnificent Samuel Eto'o and Cameroon. I just don't think the Azzurri (Italy) have it this time. I know, it's been said in past tournaments as well. (See Germany 2006.)
Finally, my beloved Argentina. How do they fall? England defeats them, in a glorious quarterfinal match that reflects Maradona's legacy - he's great on the field but otherwise you're afraid to admit he's your friend. Diego Maradona is not a manager. I could see him hiring some guy to advise him from behind the scenes while he absorbs the media spotlight.
But damn I wish I was wrong.
Messi, do it. Prove me wrong.
No one else is allowed to though so BACK OFF!
Cheers... Enjoy the cup!!!!! (I'd be blowing my vuvuzela now if I had one...)
OK got my picks...
It's England v. Brazil in pk's with Brazil winning. Damn. Unfortunately for Argentina, the amazing squad that has no excuse, they lose to England in the quarterfinals...
I have S. Korea beating Mexico 2-1 in the opening game, with France defeating Uruguay shortly thereafter, (2-1).
The U.S., as I've already mentioned, will draw with the 3 Lions, two apiece and help both their causes down the line.
Netherlands has to face Brazil, and Netherlands loses.
It could have been the Ivory Coast but Drogba is no way 100 percent.
France loses to Nigeria in the round of 16 because both Cameroon and Nigeria still have quality teams. (Cote D'Ivoire does as well, but I'm hesitant about Drogba's arm of course.)
Uruguay doesn't hang with Argentina in the round of 16, and it looks like Argentina are destined to do what they should. Unfortunately, they have no leader and they blow it.
Balloon D'Or: Wayne Rooney
Champions: Brazil
(Ouch!! Where's Torres? Where's Argentina? Where's Messi? I say I hope I'm wrong.)
I have S. Korea beating Mexico 2-1 in the opening game, with France defeating Uruguay shortly thereafter, (2-1).
The U.S., as I've already mentioned, will draw with the 3 Lions, two apiece and help both their causes down the line.
Netherlands has to face Brazil, and Netherlands loses.
It could have been the Ivory Coast but Drogba is no way 100 percent.
France loses to Nigeria in the round of 16 because both Cameroon and Nigeria still have quality teams. (Cote D'Ivoire does as well, but I'm hesitant about Drogba's arm of course.)
Uruguay doesn't hang with Argentina in the round of 16, and it looks like Argentina are destined to do what they should. Unfortunately, they have no leader and they blow it.
Balloon D'Or: Wayne Rooney
Champions: Brazil
(Ouch!! Where's Torres? Where's Argentina? Where's Messi? I say I hope I'm wrong.)
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Drogba Broken arm...
Man, I've always had a problem with this guy, who's mentality and overall fierceness I've compared with the Uruk-hai of Lord of the Rings mythos, but I WANTED TO SEE THIS GUY PLAY! As the striker for Cote D'Ivoire (50/1) in Group G with Brazil (4/1) , Portugal (25/1) and North Korea (2000/1), Drogba could mash some things up. And in Africa. Hard to hear about the broken arm, though Sven Goran-Eriksson claims he'll play against Portugal in their game on the 15th. Hmmm....
(Oh, the parenthetical numbers are odds of the team winning the whole tournament outright, as of 5 am, J-Burg time.)
My Picks Coming Before the First Kick Off!!
So I've been putting off filling out my bracket and so I've got a little bit of work to do tonight. As a sneak peak though, I'm calling a 2-2 draw between England and the US, with England scoring a late equalizer, either via a Rooney header or a Steven Gerrard on the ground far post. Just sayin'...
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
The Turkey-Friendly Warm Up...
What'd we learn on Saturday, watching our squad come from behind to defeat a solid European challenger? First of all, Dempsey is in form. The game winner he put away was really one of three he could have had and maybe not even his best opportunity - 'til he slots with the outside of his right foot. Now there's a cheeky, crafty strike from someone outside of Italy or South America! What's that? He's American?
But he wasn't the only Yank playing aggressive, take-the-ball-at-your-opponent soccer. Jozy Altidore, with his weave pass to himself in the box looked confident and ready to compete. Not that he didn't at the Confederations Cup last year, but still the move he made was class and then to have to where-with-all to look up and try to pick out Dempsey. Fantastic. They're playing together folks, and giving some teams something to think about.
Landon, oh Landon. Though Bradley has actual progeny on the field, Landon, you know, you are his boy. Right down to the matching veins popping out from their temples, Coach Bradley and Landon Donovan seem to be on the same wave length as far as game plan is concerned. Quick counters, use your speed, and stay attack-oriented. No more of the slow build-up, please. PLEASE!!! We might have some success, that is, of course, if you two (Coach, Landon) can get your squad amped enough not to give up the early goal.
EARLY GOAL SYNDROME - we have it. Not cool. It can be fatal for inexperienced squads. Solution? Other than a general, play deep behind the ball until our fitness can take over the other team? No. I don't have a real answer for this one, other than we're not going to win much if we continue to consistently go down by a goal in the first half. We will see...
Side notes: Torres - the guy has got style. His dribbling reverse to escape pressure in our own end spoke volumes of the guy's mental acuity for the game. I look forward to seeing what else he can do, as I didn't get to see much of him in qualifying. (And no, I don't like him just because he has the same last name as a certain Liverpool/Spain striker. Though I did like his old-school 'five' celebration with Dempsey after the goal.)
Robbie Findley - Nice chip to Donovan to what became one of the cleanest, sharpest goals by the U.S. squad against a solid opponent in some time. And Findley had a nice fro going too. Cheers
But he wasn't the only Yank playing aggressive, take-the-ball-at-your-opponent soccer. Jozy Altidore, with his weave pass to himself in the box looked confident and ready to compete. Not that he didn't at the Confederations Cup last year, but still the move he made was class and then to have to where-with-all to look up and try to pick out Dempsey. Fantastic. They're playing together folks, and giving some teams something to think about.
Landon, oh Landon. Though Bradley has actual progeny on the field, Landon, you know, you are his boy. Right down to the matching veins popping out from their temples, Coach Bradley and Landon Donovan seem to be on the same wave length as far as game plan is concerned. Quick counters, use your speed, and stay attack-oriented. No more of the slow build-up, please. PLEASE!!! We might have some success, that is, of course, if you two (Coach, Landon) can get your squad amped enough not to give up the early goal.
EARLY GOAL SYNDROME - we have it. Not cool. It can be fatal for inexperienced squads. Solution? Other than a general, play deep behind the ball until our fitness can take over the other team? No. I don't have a real answer for this one, other than we're not going to win much if we continue to consistently go down by a goal in the first half. We will see...
Side notes: Torres - the guy has got style. His dribbling reverse to escape pressure in our own end spoke volumes of the guy's mental acuity for the game. I look forward to seeing what else he can do, as I didn't get to see much of him in qualifying. (And no, I don't like him just because he has the same last name as a certain Liverpool/Spain striker. Though I did like his old-school 'five' celebration with Dempsey after the goal.)
Robbie Findley - Nice chip to Donovan to what became one of the cleanest, sharpest goals by the U.S. squad against a solid opponent in some time. And Findley had a nice fro going too. Cheers
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Our Squad...
I get it that he has experience and he's been playing for Rangers, but Demarcus Beasley has not shown up since 2002. He had the cross to Duce (Clint Dempsey) to score our goal at the last cup but overall he looked outmatched and intimidated the whole tournament (that would what was the World Cup Finals in 2006). Granted so did most of our team.
Goal!! Fuck yeah. Watching the Turkey game. Nice fucking play by Donovan to push it past the keeper.
Anyway, more on the squad later. No blogging during match play!
Goal!! Fuck yeah. Watching the Turkey game. Nice fucking play by Donovan to push it past the keeper.
Anyway, more on the squad later. No blogging during match play!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Bayern Munchen alright...
Well Diego Milito is the hero and for good reason, giving Internazionale Milano the win yesterday, against the flow of play for the most part, though we all knew this was by design. Mourinho is brilliant, that's definitely not in question any longer, though I still don't care for his style of coaching- both on and off the field. There's a little Phil Jackson, a little Bill Belichik in along with a healthy dose of the dark emperor Palpatine. Supposedly he heads to Real Madrid next, so watch out beloved Barca... young master Messi must prepare himself.
Speaking of Messi, how nice is it that Milito is an Argentine? If they didn't have chump change Maradona as a head coach, they might have a chance. Actually, they still do, but considering they barely qualified and that the team of so much talent has been rather poor in general in recent international play suggests the chance is slim.
Since this is probably the only post about the Champions League final, I couldn't forget to mention Arjen Robben - my god was he ready to go. Too bad Muller, Klose and others never really showed up. Then again, it helps when you put ten men behind the ball and dare the other team to try and get behind them.
Oh and the handball by Maicon? No big deal, right?
Speaking of Messi, how nice is it that Milito is an Argentine? If they didn't have chump change Maradona as a head coach, they might have a chance. Actually, they still do, but considering they barely qualified and that the team of so much talent has been rather poor in general in recent international play suggests the chance is slim.
Since this is probably the only post about the Champions League final, I couldn't forget to mention Arjen Robben - my god was he ready to go. Too bad Muller, Klose and others never really showed up. Then again, it helps when you put ten men behind the ball and dare the other team to try and get behind them.
Oh and the handball by Maicon? No big deal, right?
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Some things to consider...
Okay, so I should address the fact that I didn't mention Portugal in my team lists. B Blatz pointed this out and all I can say is that Cristiano Ronaldo forever ruined that hopeful young squad in my mind. I used to really like Deco too. Simao, another favorite. But I can't do it, not with that Clark Kent cheesedick winking at his bench after getting Rooney thrown out last time. He is good though. I suppose Deco, Simao, and others keep them off the must-lose/enemies-of-my-state list but I still don't want them to win. (Which they probably won't but could - will address later.)
Okay, settled.
On a more technical note, I just want to say that the use of the vernacular is expected and probably encouraged so those with more sophisticated tones of discourse are officially warned. Fahkin' sorry but that's how it's gonna be. And oh yes, I did just imitate an English accent, which will also probably happen frequently in tone and terminology. Fah fahk's sake that's right! And yes, you will be annoyed.
Moving on, some things I'll bring your way if you follow the BLOG:
1. Up-to-Date schedule of games including maybe some back stories behind the bigger matches.
2. Scathing day-after refereeing when the calls go against any team I want to win.
3. Pre-Tourney predictions and team reports - which I encourage others to talk about. For example, how Italy is taking too old of a squad to do any real damage, or how now that Ballack is out (also old), Germany is too (think average age of their team in general). Or maybe how because Dunga is coaching Brazil, it's not going to be the beautiful finesse game of Brazil past but more a quick-counter/deadly set piece attack with overall size and power. (Maicon to Alex all day long.)
4. Also I'd love to do a FIFA compare stat thing from one of the new systems once the squads are announced. Who has the strongest eleven according Electronic Arts?
5. Ummm... And fuck the Lakers, Celtics, Red Sox and Yankees, and Dodgers, and Padres, and Drogba...
6. Finally, put your forty where your mouth is. We can and will make gentleman side bets with the increment of betting being the ubiquitous 40 oz of malt liquor. Any non-malt must be specified before hand in the bet. The totals from Fantasy Football do count, though they can't be bet down. (Mosconi - your magic number is 7)
Cool, that's all I got for now. Let me know what else I can put up here and maybe some tricks like a countdown clock or an in-match chat feature. (Looking at Austin, 'cuz you have so many other blogs and Dave 'cuz you know comp sci pretty good.)
Cheers mates (get used to it)
The Chimpion
Okay, settled.
On a more technical note, I just want to say that the use of the vernacular is expected and probably encouraged so those with more sophisticated tones of discourse are officially warned. Fahkin' sorry but that's how it's gonna be. And oh yes, I did just imitate an English accent, which will also probably happen frequently in tone and terminology. Fah fahk's sake that's right! And yes, you will be annoyed.
Moving on, some things I'll bring your way if you follow the BLOG:
1. Up-to-Date schedule of games including maybe some back stories behind the bigger matches.
2. Scathing day-after refereeing when the calls go against any team I want to win.
3. Pre-Tourney predictions and team reports - which I encourage others to talk about. For example, how Italy is taking too old of a squad to do any real damage, or how now that Ballack is out (also old), Germany is too (think average age of their team in general). Or maybe how because Dunga is coaching Brazil, it's not going to be the beautiful finesse game of Brazil past but more a quick-counter/deadly set piece attack with overall size and power. (Maicon to Alex all day long.)
4. Also I'd love to do a FIFA compare stat thing from one of the new systems once the squads are announced. Who has the strongest eleven according Electronic Arts?
5. Ummm... And fuck the Lakers, Celtics, Red Sox and Yankees, and Dodgers, and Padres, and Drogba...
6. Finally, put your forty where your mouth is. We can and will make gentleman side bets with the increment of betting being the ubiquitous 40 oz of malt liquor. Any non-malt must be specified before hand in the bet. The totals from Fantasy Football do count, though they can't be bet down. (Mosconi - your magic number is 7)
Cool, that's all I got for now. Let me know what else I can put up here and maybe some tricks like a countdown clock or an in-match chat feature. (Looking at Austin, 'cuz you have so many other blogs and Dave 'cuz you know comp sci pretty good.)
Cheers mates (get used to it)
The Chimpion
Sunday, May 16, 2010
So how is Brazil going to lose...
What's up? No joke, I don't see how Brazil loses this tournament, but then again, these things are decided on the pitch. And for the record, I don't want Brazil to win.
I suppose it'd be good to establish my favorites:
1. USA
2. England
3. Argentina
4. France
5. Cameroon
6. Holland
I would have left it at 5 but I didn't want to leave out the Dutch, for real.
Now my least favorites, or, as I'd like to say, enemies of the state of J. Drew Hess:
1. Italy
2. Italy
3. Brazil
4. Germany
5. Italy
6. Cote D'Ivoire
7. Mexico?
Finally, who I'd like to see try really, really hard:
1. Chile
2. South Africa
3. Slovakia
4. New Zealand
5. Honduras
And so it begins my friends. I think it's interesting to think that the World Cup is a 32 team tournament and yet it is still considered the World Cup Finals. Is there any other tournament that has 32 teams in the Finals? Exxxxcellent.....
I suppose it'd be good to establish my favorites:
1. USA
2. England
3. Argentina
4. France
5. Cameroon
6. Holland
I would have left it at 5 but I didn't want to leave out the Dutch, for real.
Now my least favorites, or, as I'd like to say, enemies of the state of J. Drew Hess:
1. Italy
2. Italy
3. Brazil
4. Germany
5. Italy
6. Cote D'Ivoire
7. Mexico?
Finally, who I'd like to see try really, really hard:
1. Chile
2. South Africa
3. Slovakia
4. New Zealand
5. Honduras
And so it begins my friends. I think it's interesting to think that the World Cup is a 32 team tournament and yet it is still considered the World Cup Finals. Is there any other tournament that has 32 teams in the Finals? Exxxxcellent.....
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