Manchester City continued on their quest to constantly annoy the ‘big boys’ and their dominance today as they dispatched a poor Aston Villa side 4-0. I am sure all the pundits not used to seeing sky blue at the summit of the Premiership will look more towards it being a case of Aston Villas poor defence rather than City’s slick attack being the reason for the victory today. Credit is seldom given to the Blue side of Manchester.
In truth it was both, Villa were poor when it came to repelling the City attack and more often than not it was a stray pass from us that broke down our attack rather than decisive tackling from the Villa back line. However, you still have to score, and despite having Tevez on the bench we still scored four without reply. That deserves credit from pundits in itself, considering most of them said we could only score through Tevez.
Even when City were three or four goals up you still witnessed players tracking back and chasing to win balls. Agbonglahor was limited to two or three runs into Kompany and Downing and co were almost non participants. In fact 4-0 is somewhat of an injustice to City and I feel that if the game was not in the busy Christmas schedule of thick and fast games then maybe City would not have eased off toward the end.
Job well done by Mancinis men and despite the fact we may not be top at the end of the day, with United playing later today and Arsenal tomorrow, the fact still remains is that we are still very much in the mix, and that is going to continue to annoy and frustrate a lot of people.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Barcodes V City 1-3!!!
So it appears that City were not ‘slow starters’ against Everton in the last game but merely learning as it was City who started the brightest this go around scoring two goals in the opening five minutes. Gareth Barry opened the scoring for City on minute numero 2 before Carlos Tevez doubled the lead after five.
To say that City were then comfortable from there on in would not be swallowed by any City supporter reading this as even against Huddersfield all those years ago, we did need the tenth to secure the points!
City, as the away team, had less of the possession, less shots on goal and less shots off target than Newcastle. In fact only the foul count was higher, but with it being City it means any trip or unbalanced run resulted in a foul on a City player, meanwhile Tevez is molested in the penalty area and the referees arms wave play on like he just hasn’t seen a re-enactment of the shower scene in American History X!
But I digress, truth is Citys stats point to this, our possession doesn’t have to be much, we still create. Our attempts on target half the time today resulted in goals and our shots off target were a minimum, meaning we don’t rush and take our time, (sometimes) .
Mr Tevez, or as I like to call him, The Almighty Blue, showed again today that he will fight for our club and will continue to score goals for our club meanwhile Mr Ashley showed that he still needs two seats in the VIP section and no matter how rich you are, pies are still good. So dumb to get rid of a good manager! Good news for him is, Championship football next year……more games……more pies, it’s a win win. Oh yeah and City are second in the league. Bring on Villa!
To say that City were then comfortable from there on in would not be swallowed by any City supporter reading this as even against Huddersfield all those years ago, we did need the tenth to secure the points!
City, as the away team, had less of the possession, less shots on goal and less shots off target than Newcastle. In fact only the foul count was higher, but with it being City it means any trip or unbalanced run resulted in a foul on a City player, meanwhile Tevez is molested in the penalty area and the referees arms wave play on like he just hasn’t seen a re-enactment of the shower scene in American History X!
But I digress, truth is Citys stats point to this, our possession doesn’t have to be much, we still create. Our attempts on target half the time today resulted in goals and our shots off target were a minimum, meaning we don’t rush and take our time, (sometimes) .
Mr Tevez, or as I like to call him, The Almighty Blue, showed again today that he will fight for our club and will continue to score goals for our club meanwhile Mr Ashley showed that he still needs two seats in the VIP section and no matter how rich you are, pies are still good. So dumb to get rid of a good manager! Good news for him is, Championship football next year……more games……more pies, it’s a win win. Oh yeah and City are second in the league. Bring on Villa!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Bernstein To Be New FA Chairman
Former Manchester City chairman David Bernstein has been nominated to take over from Lord Triesman as the new chairman of the Football Association. As you may remember, David spent nine years on our board of directors, five of which as chairman.
He was born in St Helens, Lancashire in 1943 and replaced Francis Lee at City in 1998 and saw us drop to the depths of Division Two before returning to Premiership. During his time at City he also who led the negotiations which saw us secure the lease for our Eastlands stadium. He left Manchester City and was replaced by John Wardle following a boardroom dispute over the transfer of Robbie Fowler.
Bernstein became chairman of Wembley Stadium in 2008 and sat on the boards of a number of public companies including French Connection, overseeing the FCUK marketing campaign. He is also the president of the National Association of Disabled Supporters.
Now he has been nominated as the new chairman of the FA. The FA Council will be asked to endorse the appointment on Jan 25th 2011.
When asked, Mr Bernstein said, ’I am honoured to be asked to take on the role as chairman of the FA’ and added ‘It is a tremendous challenge but I look forward to working with the board, the staff at the FA and everyone in football from local playing fields to Wembley and the International stage.’
It certainly is a positive appointment for the FA who have had a terrible year with the failed World Cup bid and failed World Cup performance in South Africa.
He was born in St Helens, Lancashire in 1943 and replaced Francis Lee at City in 1998 and saw us drop to the depths of Division Two before returning to Premiership. During his time at City he also who led the negotiations which saw us secure the lease for our Eastlands stadium. He left Manchester City and was replaced by John Wardle following a boardroom dispute over the transfer of Robbie Fowler.
Bernstein became chairman of Wembley Stadium in 2008 and sat on the boards of a number of public companies including French Connection, overseeing the FCUK marketing campaign. He is also the president of the National Association of Disabled Supporters.
Now he has been nominated as the new chairman of the FA. The FA Council will be asked to endorse the appointment on Jan 25th 2011.
When asked, Mr Bernstein said, ’I am honoured to be asked to take on the role as chairman of the FA’ and added ‘It is a tremendous challenge but I look forward to working with the board, the staff at the FA and everyone in football from local playing fields to Wembley and the International stage.’
It certainly is a positive appointment for the FA who have had a terrible year with the failed World Cup bid and failed World Cup performance in South Africa.
Monday, December 20, 2010
CITY 1-2 Everton
So Manchester City will not be atop the table over Christmas as many Blues had wished and possibly even expected after losing out to Everton, 2-1. City started badly and conceded after only a few minutes after the defence went to sleep allowing Cahill to net the opener. City looked far from the slick, assured passing side of previous games and this was possibly down to the fact that because of the snowfall, and under soil heating caused the pitch to be sluggish……….ok so maybe not but worth the try.
In truth City’s passing was wayward and far too many times we played loose balls and that is never a recipe for success. Pablo Zabaletta went off for treatment to a bleeding head wound and while he was away Baines scored Evertons second. Maybe Mancini should have brought on Boateng as his replacement and maybe the medical staff should have got him patched up and back on earlier. As it was, Baines exploited the space Zab was patrolling and City went into the break two down.
On a positive note Tevez had withdrawn his transfer request and as such kept the captains armband and it was business as usual for our pitbull captain. City looked better in the second half and pulled a goal back through an own goal but that as to be the end of the scoring, despite Everton being put down to ten men following two yellow cards for Anichebe.
City dominated the possession stats and had at least one legitimate hand ball penalty decision turned down. With our recent results against Everton it was hardly surprising that this would be the case though. As for not being top over Christmas, it would have been nice with it being the first time its happened since 1929 but it also shows just how far City have come for this to even be a possibility. Keep the faith City fans, there will be days like this but it wasn’t too long ago that most of our days were like this, and all in all things look brighter at the City of Manchester Stadium.
In truth City’s passing was wayward and far too many times we played loose balls and that is never a recipe for success. Pablo Zabaletta went off for treatment to a bleeding head wound and while he was away Baines scored Evertons second. Maybe Mancini should have brought on Boateng as his replacement and maybe the medical staff should have got him patched up and back on earlier. As it was, Baines exploited the space Zab was patrolling and City went into the break two down.
On a positive note Tevez had withdrawn his transfer request and as such kept the captains armband and it was business as usual for our pitbull captain. City looked better in the second half and pulled a goal back through an own goal but that as to be the end of the scoring, despite Everton being put down to ten men following two yellow cards for Anichebe.
City dominated the possession stats and had at least one legitimate hand ball penalty decision turned down. With our recent results against Everton it was hardly surprising that this would be the case though. As for not being top over Christmas, it would have been nice with it being the first time its happened since 1929 but it also shows just how far City have come for this to even be a possibility. Keep the faith City fans, there will be days like this but it wasn’t too long ago that most of our days were like this, and all in all things look brighter at the City of Manchester Stadium.
Friday, December 17, 2010
City, Europa Knockout Stages
So City, having progressed from the Europa League group stage now head into the first knockout round. They have been drawn against Greek Super League side Aris Salonika. This team progressed in the group after first having to qualify beating Jagiellonia Bialystock 4-3 over two legs and downing Austria Vienna 2-1 on aggregate.
To the group stage they went and really not to shabby results beating Atletico Madrid twice (1-0 at home and 3-2 away), a win and defeat with Rosenborg and finally a draw and loss to Bayer Leverkusen.
They are currently 5th in their domestic league with a game in hand although they have lost on each occasion they played the main boys on the block (Panathinaikos, Olympiakos and AEK Athens. In those games not a single goal was scored by Aris which bodes well for Manchester City. The ties will commence the week starting the 7th of February with the return leg a week later.
Now if City manage to progress through this round they face a stiffer test against either Besiktas or Dynamo Kiev.
Now Besiktas had to qualify for the group stage, but once in they only lost the one game, at home to FC Porto. They beat Rapid Wien and CSKA Sofia twice but couldn’t do anything but draw and lose to Porto. If we were to meet them in the last 16 it would probably be our toughest test in the competition to date.
Kiev actually had an easier route to this point, playing teams like Sheriff, BATE and AZ. Dynamo did the double over AZ but failed to get maximum points from the other two, lesser known teams. Only getting the single point against Sheriff and a draw in the opening fixture against BATE meant they only got a total of four points from that team.
The last 16 matches are scheduled for March 10th and 17th.
To the group stage they went and really not to shabby results beating Atletico Madrid twice (1-0 at home and 3-2 away), a win and defeat with Rosenborg and finally a draw and loss to Bayer Leverkusen.
They are currently 5th in their domestic league with a game in hand although they have lost on each occasion they played the main boys on the block (Panathinaikos, Olympiakos and AEK Athens. In those games not a single goal was scored by Aris which bodes well for Manchester City. The ties will commence the week starting the 7th of February with the return leg a week later.
Now if City manage to progress through this round they face a stiffer test against either Besiktas or Dynamo Kiev.
Now Besiktas had to qualify for the group stage, but once in they only lost the one game, at home to FC Porto. They beat Rapid Wien and CSKA Sofia twice but couldn’t do anything but draw and lose to Porto. If we were to meet them in the last 16 it would probably be our toughest test in the competition to date.
Kiev actually had an easier route to this point, playing teams like Sheriff, BATE and AZ. Dynamo did the double over AZ but failed to get maximum points from the other two, lesser known teams. Only getting the single point against Sheriff and a draw in the opening fixture against BATE meant they only got a total of four points from that team.
The last 16 matches are scheduled for March 10th and 17th.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Juve 1, CITY 1
It seemed typical City that in a week dominated by talk of striker trouble at Eastlands, with Ballotelli’s ‘attitude’ and the recent transfer request handed in by Carlos Tevez, that it was a striker who has been loaned out twice and out more than in the team that would secure City’s progression through to the knockout stage in top spot.
Brazilian sensation, Jo netted in the second half to bring Manchester City back on level terms on 76 minutes after Nicolo Giannetti’s opener for the Turin club close to half time. Jo did have the best of the City chances, going close early on in the second half and having a tap in chance cut out by the Juve defenders.
Roberto Mancini used this game to ring in the changes and as a result only Boateng and Jo kept their places from Saturdays win at Upton Park. Youngsters Boyata and Nimely, were given a start as City dominated their opponents. Two penalty appeals went unheard from City before Juve went infront. However it was the City fans who were the star performers on the night. Despite frigid temperatures, at times scrappy play and the fact that City were already through, 1500 made the trip and were, as always, in good voice.
Tomorrow City will find out who they now play in the next round. The draw is live from Monaco at 1pm CET (Midday BST).
Brazilian sensation, Jo netted in the second half to bring Manchester City back on level terms on 76 minutes after Nicolo Giannetti’s opener for the Turin club close to half time. Jo did have the best of the City chances, going close early on in the second half and having a tap in chance cut out by the Juve defenders.
Roberto Mancini used this game to ring in the changes and as a result only Boateng and Jo kept their places from Saturdays win at Upton Park. Youngsters Boyata and Nimely, were given a start as City dominated their opponents. Two penalty appeals went unheard from City before Juve went infront. However it was the City fans who were the star performers on the night. Despite frigid temperatures, at times scrappy play and the fact that City were already through, 1500 made the trip and were, as always, in good voice.
Tomorrow City will find out who they now play in the next round. The draw is live from Monaco at 1pm CET (Midday BST).
CITY v Juve
At last the focus can turn to football matches for Manchester City. After a week dominated by the reports that Carlos Tevez had handed in a transfer request attentions now turn to Turin. City of course are already through to the knockout stages but a win against Italian giants Juventus and finishing top of the group would surely be the icing on the cake.
Domestically City now head into a hectic part of the season with games coming quick and fast and it is with one eye on the Premier League that Mancini selects tonight’s team. Strikers Balotelli and Tevez will remain behind with injured striker Adebayor, and as Roque Santa Cruz wasn’t registered for the competition it leaves Jo as the only recognized striker.
Despite already qualifying Mancini will still be going all out for the top spot. "It is important to win this game because we want to top the group. We prefer not to meet the teams who come from the Champions League“ Mancini told press.
Micah Richards also believes that the players that are selected tonight will be looking to perform to their maximum in order to force their names onto the team sheet on a more regular note.
Adam Johnson however wants to do his best for City in memory of one of his friends, who died recently. Rushden and Diamonds goalkeeper, Dale Roberts who was found dead in his home on Tuesday. “I’m absolutely devastated about Dale’s passing; he was a really good friend,” said Adam. “I grew up with Dale. We were in the same class at school and also played at Middlesbrough together. His parents are friends with my parents and we often went on holiday together.
“I know he was so desperate to improve and get up the leagues as a player, and he was a really good keeper, too. My heart goes out to his family and friends – he was one of my best mates and I’ll really miss him.
“I’m going to go out to Juventus to play in honour of Dale and dedicate my performance and hopefully a victory to his memory.”
Domestically City now head into a hectic part of the season with games coming quick and fast and it is with one eye on the Premier League that Mancini selects tonight’s team. Strikers Balotelli and Tevez will remain behind with injured striker Adebayor, and as Roque Santa Cruz wasn’t registered for the competition it leaves Jo as the only recognized striker.
Despite already qualifying Mancini will still be going all out for the top spot. "It is important to win this game because we want to top the group. We prefer not to meet the teams who come from the Champions League“ Mancini told press.
Micah Richards also believes that the players that are selected tonight will be looking to perform to their maximum in order to force their names onto the team sheet on a more regular note.
Adam Johnson however wants to do his best for City in memory of one of his friends, who died recently. Rushden and Diamonds goalkeeper, Dale Roberts who was found dead in his home on Tuesday. “I’m absolutely devastated about Dale’s passing; he was a really good friend,” said Adam. “I grew up with Dale. We were in the same class at school and also played at Middlesbrough together. His parents are friends with my parents and we often went on holiday together.
“I know he was so desperate to improve and get up the leagues as a player, and he was a really good keeper, too. My heart goes out to his family and friends – he was one of my best mates and I’ll really miss him.
“I’m going to go out to Juventus to play in honour of Dale and dedicate my performance and hopefully a victory to his memory.”
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tevez: Transfer Request
So I decided to leave it a whole day before I commented on this development at the City of Manchester Stadium this past weekend. For a while now rumors had been rife that City hero Carlos Tevez wanted to leave our team. As ever with these things the rumors were considered just that with both City boss Roberto Mancini and the player himself saying they were happy at City.
However, on Sunday, Carlos Tevez made it clear that he wants to leave Manchester City citing a breakdown in his relationships with 'certain executives and individuals'.
For their part Manchester City had announced on their official site that they had rejected a transfer request from the player and proceed to lay the blame firmly at Tevez’s advisor Kia Joorabchain.
Now there are a few theories flying about with regards the reason behind Tevez’s decision and they range from homesickness to just wanting more money. Personally my thoughts on the subject are that no player, manager or individual at the club are greater than the club and when a player decides he wants to leave, and states publicly that he doesn’t think he will play for City again well there is only one thing that should be done.
If homesickness is the real reason for his decision then he must be allowed to leave for another club but that club must not be another Premiership one. If he is homesick in Manchester I do not see what will change after a move to London for example.
The breakdown in relationship with ’certain executives and individuals’ excuse is a more worrying one though. It could signal interference of the team and as time goes on the situation will grow and we may see others head for the door. again he should be allowed to leave in January and we now have the capital to wish him luck and move on. A few seasons ago City would have been destroyed if a player of Tevez’s caliber left us, but not now. At worst it is a distraction from what City have achieved this season.
We should not however negotiate with him if it is the case that he just wants more money. Wayne Rooney did that with United and got a new deal, Derek Jeter tried it with the New York Yankees and got his contract renewed, but for nowhere near the pay he was demanding. The Yankees basically made Jeter their offer, when he said he would only accept if it was more they told him, good luck. They knew he wouldn’t find a team willing to pay him what he was on, he knew that if he left he would be leaving the one team he has played for all his career and in the end sense prevailed. If City were to take the United path then who will be next knocking on the door?
Personally I do not think that City should block him, but they also should have a fair price in mind and do a deal that is good for us. The fans should also, and I have no doubts they will, continue to support him while the sky blue shirt is on his back and wish him luck and thank him when he leaves. He has in such a short time become a fans favorite and a City hero…but we survived when the previous heroes moved on or retired and we shall again. We will also, I have no doubts, have other City heroes going forward. The future is still bright and is most certainly still blue, but lets keep our class and not vilify him like those from United did. We are bigger than that and most certainly better. Also think of what egg is on the face of those who slated Rooney a few months ago and now chant his name from their sofas!
However, on Sunday, Carlos Tevez made it clear that he wants to leave Manchester City citing a breakdown in his relationships with 'certain executives and individuals'.
For their part Manchester City had announced on their official site that they had rejected a transfer request from the player and proceed to lay the blame firmly at Tevez’s advisor Kia Joorabchain.
Now there are a few theories flying about with regards the reason behind Tevez’s decision and they range from homesickness to just wanting more money. Personally my thoughts on the subject are that no player, manager or individual at the club are greater than the club and when a player decides he wants to leave, and states publicly that he doesn’t think he will play for City again well there is only one thing that should be done.
If homesickness is the real reason for his decision then he must be allowed to leave for another club but that club must not be another Premiership one. If he is homesick in Manchester I do not see what will change after a move to London for example.
The breakdown in relationship with ’certain executives and individuals’ excuse is a more worrying one though. It could signal interference of the team and as time goes on the situation will grow and we may see others head for the door. again he should be allowed to leave in January and we now have the capital to wish him luck and move on. A few seasons ago City would have been destroyed if a player of Tevez’s caliber left us, but not now. At worst it is a distraction from what City have achieved this season.
We should not however negotiate with him if it is the case that he just wants more money. Wayne Rooney did that with United and got a new deal, Derek Jeter tried it with the New York Yankees and got his contract renewed, but for nowhere near the pay he was demanding. The Yankees basically made Jeter their offer, when he said he would only accept if it was more they told him, good luck. They knew he wouldn’t find a team willing to pay him what he was on, he knew that if he left he would be leaving the one team he has played for all his career and in the end sense prevailed. If City were to take the United path then who will be next knocking on the door?
Personally I do not think that City should block him, but they also should have a fair price in mind and do a deal that is good for us. The fans should also, and I have no doubts they will, continue to support him while the sky blue shirt is on his back and wish him luck and thank him when he leaves. He has in such a short time become a fans favorite and a City hero…but we survived when the previous heroes moved on or retired and we shall again. We will also, I have no doubts, have other City heroes going forward. The future is still bright and is most certainly still blue, but lets keep our class and not vilify him like those from United did. We are bigger than that and most certainly better. Also think of what egg is on the face of those who slated Rooney a few months ago and now chant his name from their sofas!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Sepp, Qatar and the French Connection
FIFA’s mission is to bring football to the world, especially those regions flush with fossil fuel wealth and conveniently lax ethical standards. Mired by multiple scandals, FIFA delegates voted to bring the game’s talents to Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022. The fishy choices resonate with the mantra that will be Sepp Blatter’s enduring legacy, “Straight Cash, Homie.”
The process is a corrupt political system with no accountability. Cash exchanges are made. Distinguished politicians and future kings are forced to kowtow before fat, despicable FIFA bureaucrats. Regardless of the result the whole thing is shameful and disgusting. England and the United States had the best stadiums, the most stable infrastructure and would have been the most profitable. Both earned a perfect 100% rating from a consulting firm. They lost out to Russia (86%) and Qatar (70%). Both countries were the most practical choices, but that may not have been a compelling selling point.
So with the World Cup NOT to be held in England I was not so concerned that we didn’t actually secure the competition. I mean it is probably a financial burden best left for others to deal with. However it was brought to my attention earlier today that someone did get a big bonus payout based on the host of the 2022 World Cup. Now obviously England were not involved in this selection in the final run up but it does raise questions about where money ruining football is justified. It was reported today that former French footballer, Zinedine Zidane, (yes the head-butt guy!) was due to get $15million if Qatar did actually get the ‘22 Cup.
Qatar is a small country, but an exceedingly wealthy one. Though, the slavery and human trafficking should be a concern. The heat is an issue with the average temperature that time of year is 106 degrees, meaning it could get as high as 130 on the field. However, Qatar will be constructing all new stadiums for the event, with sophisticated air conditioning systems. The government has also confirmed it will allow alcohol and, despite not recognizing Israel, would treat them as any other team if they qualified. But Zidane is a small fish in a big pond, the real Prince of the Paper bag is Sepp Blatter.
Blatter has a long and varied employment history including posts such as Head of Public Relations of the Valaisan Tourist Board in his native Switzerland, as well as General Secretary of the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation. He was Director of Sports Timing and Relations of Longines S.A. and was involved in the organization of the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games. In the early 1970s, Blatter was elected president of the World Society of Friends of Suspenders, an organisation which tried to stop women replacing suspender belts with pantyhose.
Since 1975 Blatter has been working at FIFA, first as Technical Director (1975–1981), then General Secretary (1981–1998) before his election as FIFA President in 1998. He was re-elected as head of FIFA in 2002 and was re-elected unopposed for another four years on 31 May 2007 even though only 66 of 207 FIFA members nominated him. Sepp Blatter sought another term as FIFA president in December 2009 and was elected once more.
Sepp Blatter's 1998 election to the presidency of FIFA over UEFA President Lennart Johansson occurred amidst much controversy. His 2002 candidacy has been marked with rumours of financial irregularities and backroom dealings, culminating with direct accusations of bribery, by a third party, made in the British press by Farra Ado, vice-president of the Confederation of African Football and president of the Somali Football Federation, who claimed to have been offered $100,000 to vote for Blatter in 1998.
Amidst internal divisions, FIFA's secretary-general Blatter's deputy and former protégé, Michel Zen-Ruffinen drew up a 30-page dossier outlining allegations of financial mismanagement within the organisation. The dossier alleged that the collapse of FIFA's marketing partner ISL had led to losses of up to $100m under Blatter's management. The allegations were backed by Johansson, and the dossier was handed to the Swiss authorities, but they cleared Blatter of any wrong doing and FIFA had to pay all the costs. An internal investigation within FIFA was halted by Blatter because members of it broke confidentiality agreements. This questionable behaviour led him to remove Zen-Ruffinen from office immediately before the FIFA World Cup 2002.
After a controversial second-round match in the 2006 World Cup between Portugal and the Netherlands, which saw referee Valentin Ivanov issuing a record 16 yellow cards and four red cards, Blatter lambasted the officiating, and said that Ivanov should have given himself a yellow card for his poor performance as a referee. However he later regretted his words and promised to officially apologise to Ivanov. This apology was never given, and the referee was removed from further officiating.
During the 2006 FIFA World Cup final in Germany, Blatter's absence during the prize-podium event was noted and criticized in international media. It was claimed that the reason Blatter did not attend was because he was upset that Italy won instead of France. Blatter later apologised and said the reason he had shunned the presentation ceremony was because he was afraid of being whistled.
Blatter publicly laughed at a request by the Football Association of Ireland that Ireland be the 33rd entrant following a controversial hand ball incident in their qualification. Ireland had been drawn against France after a highly controversial seeding system was put into place. This seemed to favour higher ranked teams and Blatter's very late decision to implement it was seen by many as a last ditch attempt to ensure that the higher ranked teams went through. Ireland had lost the first leg 1-0. However, during the second leg, with Ireland leading 1-0 and minutes to go, Thierry Henry used his hand twice to control the ball in the penalty area and deliver a pass to William Gallas for an easy goal.
The criticism attracted by Blatter's refusal to allow goal-line technology or video replays intensified following the controversial Lampard disallowed goal in the match between England and Germany on 27 June 2010. Two days later, Blatter stated that he deplored the "evident referee mistakes" in the England v Germany and Mexico v Argentina matches, and apologised to the English Football Association and the Mexican Football Federation (the two organizations directly concerned by the referees' mistakes), acknowledging that Lampard had indeed scored against Germany and that Tevez's goal against Mexico had been scored from an offside position. He added: "It is obvious that after the experiences so far at this World Cup it would be a nonsense not to re-open the file on goal-line technology. We will come out with a new model in November on how to improve high level referees. I cannot disclose more of what we are doing but something has to be changed."
2018/2022 FIFA World Cup
It was reported that Blatter had "cut an unofficial deal with UEFA head Michel Platini" to ensure Europe would receive the 2018 World Cup, such that if the non-European bids did not withdraw from 2018 "they will find themselves frozen out and not given any backing by the FIFA High Command, damaging their chances of being serious contenders for the second tournament." Eleven bids were submitted in March 2009 covering thirteen nations. Mexico and Indonesia withdrew. Five of the remaining nine bids, South Korea, Qatar, Japan, Australia and United States were only for the 2022 World Cup, while all the others were bidding for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. However, since all of the bids for the 2018 World Cup are from European nations, and FIFA's rules dictate that countries belonging to confederations that hosted either of the two preceding tournaments are not eligible to host, bids of England, Russia, Netherlands/Belgium and Spain/Portugal are now forced to be for 2018only.
Women's football
Blatter incurred the ire of female footballers in 2004 when he suggested that women should "wear tighter shorts and low cut shirts... to create a more female aesthetic" and attract more male fans, remarks that were ridiculed in the press.
Foreign quotas
Blatter incurred much criticism during 2007 and 2008 for his persistence in attempting to change EU employment law regarding the number of foreign players football clubs can field at any one time. His plans are to set a restriction to 5 foreign players and having 6 players from the said team's own nationality. Blatter believes this would help the countries' national sides by having more national players playing in their leagues. Blatter has often referred to the English Premier League as one of the major problems in football and uses it as an example, due to the influence of foreign players, coaches and owners in the top teams.
Changes to the game made under Blatter.
The silver goal replaced the golden goal rule in extra time of play-off matches. Under the golden goal rule, the match ends immediately if one side scores in extra time. The silver goal rule states that the match will end at the half-time period in extra time if one team is leading – otherwise the match will continue until the end of the extra time period. Some fans believe that this rule change makes the game less exciting, while others felt that the game is more fair as a result. The new rule was first applied in the Euro 2004 competition, but it has since been discontinued along with golden goal. All competitions have now reverted to the traditional extra time rules, i.e. they must play the full amount of extra time, no matter what the score is.
Since the 2002 World Cup, the current World Cup champion no longer automatically qualifies for the next World Cup finals, as was the case for the champions of all 16 previous World Cups.
National associations must now enforce immediate suspensions of all players sent off during a game, even if television replays offer compelling evidence of a player's innocence. In particular, Blatter insists that a referee's judgement must be seen as final and that mistakes are part of the game. The FA, however, has refused to follow this directive, and allows appeals against straight red cards (though not those resulting from two yellows).
Under Blatter, starting in 2004, the game implemented the booking of players who remove their shirts after scoring a goal, as well as those who are guilty of 'over-zealous celebrations'. The rationale for this rule change is that football is a global sport, and thus the sensibilities of conservative nations and spectators must be respected.
In 2007, Blatter decided that no football matches will be played above 2500 metres (8200 ft) above sea level. This number was revised to 3000 metres (9840 feet) on 26 June 2007. This may have been aimed to split the opposition group formed by Colombia, Ecuador (who play at altitudes below 3000 metres but above 2500), Bolivia and Peru (with stadiums above 3000 metres). This has dramatic consequences for the Bolivian national team, whose stadium is located more than 3000 metres above sea level. Blatter commented that football matches at extreme altitudes belong to the past, and that they are risky for players' health. However, no comprehensive medical studies have been shown to prove this. The Andean nations argue that playing in hot, sea level temperature is in fact more dangerous, citing the death of Marc-Vivien Foé as an example.
The process is a corrupt political system with no accountability. Cash exchanges are made. Distinguished politicians and future kings are forced to kowtow before fat, despicable FIFA bureaucrats. Regardless of the result the whole thing is shameful and disgusting. England and the United States had the best stadiums, the most stable infrastructure and would have been the most profitable. Both earned a perfect 100% rating from a consulting firm. They lost out to Russia (86%) and Qatar (70%). Both countries were the most practical choices, but that may not have been a compelling selling point.
So with the World Cup NOT to be held in England I was not so concerned that we didn’t actually secure the competition. I mean it is probably a financial burden best left for others to deal with. However it was brought to my attention earlier today that someone did get a big bonus payout based on the host of the 2022 World Cup. Now obviously England were not involved in this selection in the final run up but it does raise questions about where money ruining football is justified. It was reported today that former French footballer, Zinedine Zidane, (yes the head-butt guy!) was due to get $15million if Qatar did actually get the ‘22 Cup.
Qatar is a small country, but an exceedingly wealthy one. Though, the slavery and human trafficking should be a concern. The heat is an issue with the average temperature that time of year is 106 degrees, meaning it could get as high as 130 on the field. However, Qatar will be constructing all new stadiums for the event, with sophisticated air conditioning systems. The government has also confirmed it will allow alcohol and, despite not recognizing Israel, would treat them as any other team if they qualified. But Zidane is a small fish in a big pond, the real Prince of the Paper bag is Sepp Blatter.
Blatter has a long and varied employment history including posts such as Head of Public Relations of the Valaisan Tourist Board in his native Switzerland, as well as General Secretary of the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation. He was Director of Sports Timing and Relations of Longines S.A. and was involved in the organization of the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games. In the early 1970s, Blatter was elected president of the World Society of Friends of Suspenders, an organisation which tried to stop women replacing suspender belts with pantyhose.
Since 1975 Blatter has been working at FIFA, first as Technical Director (1975–1981), then General Secretary (1981–1998) before his election as FIFA President in 1998. He was re-elected as head of FIFA in 2002 and was re-elected unopposed for another four years on 31 May 2007 even though only 66 of 207 FIFA members nominated him. Sepp Blatter sought another term as FIFA president in December 2009 and was elected once more.
Sepp Blatter's 1998 election to the presidency of FIFA over UEFA President Lennart Johansson occurred amidst much controversy. His 2002 candidacy has been marked with rumours of financial irregularities and backroom dealings, culminating with direct accusations of bribery, by a third party, made in the British press by Farra Ado, vice-president of the Confederation of African Football and president of the Somali Football Federation, who claimed to have been offered $100,000 to vote for Blatter in 1998.
Amidst internal divisions, FIFA's secretary-general Blatter's deputy and former protégé, Michel Zen-Ruffinen drew up a 30-page dossier outlining allegations of financial mismanagement within the organisation. The dossier alleged that the collapse of FIFA's marketing partner ISL had led to losses of up to $100m under Blatter's management. The allegations were backed by Johansson, and the dossier was handed to the Swiss authorities, but they cleared Blatter of any wrong doing and FIFA had to pay all the costs. An internal investigation within FIFA was halted by Blatter because members of it broke confidentiality agreements. This questionable behaviour led him to remove Zen-Ruffinen from office immediately before the FIFA World Cup 2002.
After a controversial second-round match in the 2006 World Cup between Portugal and the Netherlands, which saw referee Valentin Ivanov issuing a record 16 yellow cards and four red cards, Blatter lambasted the officiating, and said that Ivanov should have given himself a yellow card for his poor performance as a referee. However he later regretted his words and promised to officially apologise to Ivanov. This apology was never given, and the referee was removed from further officiating.
During the 2006 FIFA World Cup final in Germany, Blatter's absence during the prize-podium event was noted and criticized in international media. It was claimed that the reason Blatter did not attend was because he was upset that Italy won instead of France. Blatter later apologised and said the reason he had shunned the presentation ceremony was because he was afraid of being whistled.
Blatter publicly laughed at a request by the Football Association of Ireland that Ireland be the 33rd entrant following a controversial hand ball incident in their qualification. Ireland had been drawn against France after a highly controversial seeding system was put into place. This seemed to favour higher ranked teams and Blatter's very late decision to implement it was seen by many as a last ditch attempt to ensure that the higher ranked teams went through. Ireland had lost the first leg 1-0. However, during the second leg, with Ireland leading 1-0 and minutes to go, Thierry Henry used his hand twice to control the ball in the penalty area and deliver a pass to William Gallas for an easy goal.
The criticism attracted by Blatter's refusal to allow goal-line technology or video replays intensified following the controversial Lampard disallowed goal in the match between England and Germany on 27 June 2010. Two days later, Blatter stated that he deplored the "evident referee mistakes" in the England v Germany and Mexico v Argentina matches, and apologised to the English Football Association and the Mexican Football Federation (the two organizations directly concerned by the referees' mistakes), acknowledging that Lampard had indeed scored against Germany and that Tevez's goal against Mexico had been scored from an offside position. He added: "It is obvious that after the experiences so far at this World Cup it would be a nonsense not to re-open the file on goal-line technology. We will come out with a new model in November on how to improve high level referees. I cannot disclose more of what we are doing but something has to be changed."
2018/2022 FIFA World Cup
It was reported that Blatter had "cut an unofficial deal with UEFA head Michel Platini" to ensure Europe would receive the 2018 World Cup, such that if the non-European bids did not withdraw from 2018 "they will find themselves frozen out and not given any backing by the FIFA High Command, damaging their chances of being serious contenders for the second tournament." Eleven bids were submitted in March 2009 covering thirteen nations. Mexico and Indonesia withdrew. Five of the remaining nine bids, South Korea, Qatar, Japan, Australia and United States were only for the 2022 World Cup, while all the others were bidding for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. However, since all of the bids for the 2018 World Cup are from European nations, and FIFA's rules dictate that countries belonging to confederations that hosted either of the two preceding tournaments are not eligible to host, bids of England, Russia, Netherlands/Belgium and Spain/Portugal are now forced to be for 2018only.
Women's football
Blatter incurred the ire of female footballers in 2004 when he suggested that women should "wear tighter shorts and low cut shirts... to create a more female aesthetic" and attract more male fans, remarks that were ridiculed in the press.
Foreign quotas
Blatter incurred much criticism during 2007 and 2008 for his persistence in attempting to change EU employment law regarding the number of foreign players football clubs can field at any one time. His plans are to set a restriction to 5 foreign players and having 6 players from the said team's own nationality. Blatter believes this would help the countries' national sides by having more national players playing in their leagues. Blatter has often referred to the English Premier League as one of the major problems in football and uses it as an example, due to the influence of foreign players, coaches and owners in the top teams.
Changes to the game made under Blatter.
The silver goal replaced the golden goal rule in extra time of play-off matches. Under the golden goal rule, the match ends immediately if one side scores in extra time. The silver goal rule states that the match will end at the half-time period in extra time if one team is leading – otherwise the match will continue until the end of the extra time period. Some fans believe that this rule change makes the game less exciting, while others felt that the game is more fair as a result. The new rule was first applied in the Euro 2004 competition, but it has since been discontinued along with golden goal. All competitions have now reverted to the traditional extra time rules, i.e. they must play the full amount of extra time, no matter what the score is.
Since the 2002 World Cup, the current World Cup champion no longer automatically qualifies for the next World Cup finals, as was the case for the champions of all 16 previous World Cups.
National associations must now enforce immediate suspensions of all players sent off during a game, even if television replays offer compelling evidence of a player's innocence. In particular, Blatter insists that a referee's judgement must be seen as final and that mistakes are part of the game. The FA, however, has refused to follow this directive, and allows appeals against straight red cards (though not those resulting from two yellows).
Under Blatter, starting in 2004, the game implemented the booking of players who remove their shirts after scoring a goal, as well as those who are guilty of 'over-zealous celebrations'. The rationale for this rule change is that football is a global sport, and thus the sensibilities of conservative nations and spectators must be respected.
In 2007, Blatter decided that no football matches will be played above 2500 metres (8200 ft) above sea level. This number was revised to 3000 metres (9840 feet) on 26 June 2007. This may have been aimed to split the opposition group formed by Colombia, Ecuador (who play at altitudes below 3000 metres but above 2500), Bolivia and Peru (with stadiums above 3000 metres). This has dramatic consequences for the Bolivian national team, whose stadium is located more than 3000 metres above sea level. Blatter commented that football matches at extreme altitudes belong to the past, and that they are risky for players' health. However, no comprehensive medical studies have been shown to prove this. The Andean nations argue that playing in hot, sea level temperature is in fact more dangerous, citing the death of Marc-Vivien Foé as an example.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Who'd Be A Football Manager!?
To be a football manager in this day and age certainly is no easy task, just ask Roberto Mancini. Calls for his head are deafening less than a year into his tenure. In fact after the same amount of games into the season Mancini’s City would be trailing Sven’s City by a mere 4pts.
Season W D L F A Diff PTS Manager
Season W D L F A Diff PTS Manager
- 2007 8 2 3 16 13 3 26 SGE
- 1967 7 1 5 25 16 9 22 Mercer
- 2009 5 7 1 24 17 7 22 Hughes
- 2010 6 4 3 15 10 5 22 Mancini
- 2005 6 3 4 15 11 4 21 Pearce
- 1994 5 4 4 24 20 4 19 Horton
- 2003 5 3 5 22 18 4 18 Keegan
- 2002 5 2 6 14 19 -5 17 Keegan
- 1992 4 4 5 14 13 1 16 Reid
- 2006 4 4 5 10 15 -5 16 Pearce
- 2008 4 2 7 26 20 6 14 Hughes
- 1936 3 5 5 24 22 2 14 Wild
- 2004 3 5 5 14 13 1 14 Keegan
- 1993 3 5 5 12 13 -1 14 Reid/Horton
- 2000 4 2 7 15 24 -9 14 Royle
- 1995 1 3 9 5 22 -17 6 Ball
Above is a table showing each of the previous first 13 games to each Manchester City start to a Premiership season since the Premiership started as well as the Championship winning seasons of 1967/68 and 1936/37. Currently, as in the regular table we are fourth behind only Sven, Joe and Mark Hughes’ second season.
Interestingly we are closer to our best start than we are to Chelsea in the current Premier table.
You will notice two things from the table, we have conceded less goals than all the other seasons (significantly less in some seasons) and our defeats so far are joined with Svens season, and the great start we had that year and only eclipsed by the start to last seasons campaign, but remember all the draws that go around?
Results on the pitch, for the most part, have been good when you step back from the media stained light that is currently being shone on Mancini and the team. Pretty much the only disappointing results we have had so far would be the defeat against Wolves and possibly this draw against Birmingham. Compare that with the ‘disappointing’ results of previous season starts. Last season we already had lost to United (attacking gave us 0pts, tight at the back gave us a point this season). Then there were draws at home to Hull, Burnley and Fulham which was the start of the end for Hughes.
Or the season before when we had already recorded losses at soon to be relegated Middlesboro and Bolton. We also drew at Newcastle (also to be relegated) and Hull City.
Even the dream start we had while Sven was spotted with disappointments, losing to Blackburn and shipping six goals to a rampant Chelsea side.
Even the great Joe Mercer and our Championship winning season started off inconsistent to say the least. In the first 13 games of that season we lost to Sunderland, Stoke and Southampton. (This was on the back of a poor finish to the previous season also, picking up only six wins from the beginning of December to the end of the season).
My point is that the displays on the pitch may not be of the highest standard but the table doesn’t lie. We are fourth and we have been reasonably tight at the back. Some pundits say that City haven’t scored for two league games, well we also haven’t conceded a goal for three! The media see we are fighting among ourselves and they latch onto the poisonous atmosphere. Remember United also haven’t won for two league games but they are labeled as ’undefeated’ where we get the ’still looking for a win’ label.
We all know we have talented players here that can win games and score plenty of goals when they are on fire, it just hasn’t clicked yet. On the plus side we do have, and have proved over past games, that our defense is tight. There are positives in the City season thus far, please do not let the media and so called ’analysts’ persuade you it is doom and gloom, it is not. If this is a blip to our season then consider where we are during this blip and you will see understand why there is so much negative attention put on Mancini. They are scared, because if we can be fourth and within touching distance of the top three during a period that has seen us go on a run of draws interrupted by the single win against West Brom then just imagine what could be when we become a well oiled machine!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
CITY v SCUM (Nov 10 2010)
For a City fan you know that derby games against Manchester United have had their fair share of ups and downs for us over the seasons. Recently we have witnessed the superb performances of City only to be denied by late, late goals from United, as well as the ruining of the 50th anniversary of the air disaster by City when we beat them on their own ground 2-1. The first time we had actually done that since 1974 and, combined with the 1-0 win earlier in the season, it was the first double we had completed since 1970.
In 1975 you had the 4-0 win against them in the League Cup fourth round but even celebrations of that were marred by the fact that Colin Bell was carried off early in the first half. He was never to be the same again and ironically nor were City. In fact in 20 derby games from that day to the glorious day in 1989 City only won 3, all at home. United won half of the games played and scored 30 goals to our 19. That all led up to the game that is now known as the Maine Road massacre, when United were beaten 5-1 by us, their noisy neighbors. However that was not a signal of a change for us during the 1990’s in fact it was to continue in Uniteds favor with City struggling even to keep a manager for more than a season as theirs just got older and more purple! However then came the 2000’s and King Kevin Keegan, whose hatred of Ferguson and United went back to his time as Newcastle manager and that now famous rant on camera.
It is funny how patterns emerge in football because in that first season back in top flight football saw us on a three game losing streak before then picking up a win away to West Brom and then that final derby at Maine Road, the 3-1 win and Shaun Goaters 100th City goal (that seem familiar anyone). Follow that up the next season with an improvement of 4-1 in our new stadium and things looked good. In fact since we have been in our new stadium the derby results have been slightly better with us winning 5 of the 17 games, (our away form has been our downfall with actual stats at CoMS have us winning half the games).
But that is all in the past and we gear towards another 90 minutes (or if they are losing or drawing, another 96 minutes). This City team, with Tevez, Silva, Johnson and co certainly now have one of the better lineups we have seen for a while in a Manchester derby, while the old threats from United are just that, old. Giggs and Scholes were once the ones to fear, but no more. Sure they still have the ability to punish you but the fact is United in recent years have lost Ronaldo, they have lost Tevez and they have not replaced them with real quality. Sure Berbatov can pop up for the occasional goal but he scores for a few games and then he is done for a long time, and he has his quota for the season! Rooney is a real threat to us but should be injured and not be on the pitch. But the most dangerous person of all that wears the United colors is of course their manager, Alex Ferguson. He scares referees into allowing extra time to be played where there was none, he berates referees, linesmen (and yes I call them linesman!) and fourth officials to the extent that he decides if a foul is a foul. However even the Emperors powers are fading because he is losing his ability to use mind tricks on people. This week for example, he has come out complaining he doesn’t have fit players to pick from, that his whole squad is ill. That may have worked in the past but I suspect that a full strength eleven will be on the pitch at Eastlands and all that will do is allow you to explain away your inevitable loss to Obi Wan Mancini and us noisy rebel scum! Tick tock Mr F, tick tock!
In 1975 you had the 4-0 win against them in the League Cup fourth round but even celebrations of that were marred by the fact that Colin Bell was carried off early in the first half. He was never to be the same again and ironically nor were City. In fact in 20 derby games from that day to the glorious day in 1989 City only won 3, all at home. United won half of the games played and scored 30 goals to our 19. That all led up to the game that is now known as the Maine Road massacre, when United were beaten 5-1 by us, their noisy neighbors. However that was not a signal of a change for us during the 1990’s in fact it was to continue in Uniteds favor with City struggling even to keep a manager for more than a season as theirs just got older and more purple! However then came the 2000’s and King Kevin Keegan, whose hatred of Ferguson and United went back to his time as Newcastle manager and that now famous rant on camera.
It is funny how patterns emerge in football because in that first season back in top flight football saw us on a three game losing streak before then picking up a win away to West Brom and then that final derby at Maine Road, the 3-1 win and Shaun Goaters 100th City goal (that seem familiar anyone). Follow that up the next season with an improvement of 4-1 in our new stadium and things looked good. In fact since we have been in our new stadium the derby results have been slightly better with us winning 5 of the 17 games, (our away form has been our downfall with actual stats at CoMS have us winning half the games).
But that is all in the past and we gear towards another 90 minutes (or if they are losing or drawing, another 96 minutes). This City team, with Tevez, Silva, Johnson and co certainly now have one of the better lineups we have seen for a while in a Manchester derby, while the old threats from United are just that, old. Giggs and Scholes were once the ones to fear, but no more. Sure they still have the ability to punish you but the fact is United in recent years have lost Ronaldo, they have lost Tevez and they have not replaced them with real quality. Sure Berbatov can pop up for the occasional goal but he scores for a few games and then he is done for a long time, and he has his quota for the season! Rooney is a real threat to us but should be injured and not be on the pitch. But the most dangerous person of all that wears the United colors is of course their manager, Alex Ferguson. He scares referees into allowing extra time to be played where there was none, he berates referees, linesmen (and yes I call them linesman!) and fourth officials to the extent that he decides if a foul is a foul. However even the Emperors powers are fading because he is losing his ability to use mind tricks on people. This week for example, he has come out complaining he doesn’t have fit players to pick from, that his whole squad is ill. That may have worked in the past but I suspect that a full strength eleven will be on the pitch at Eastlands and all that will do is allow you to explain away your inevitable loss to Obi Wan Mancini and us noisy rebel scum! Tick tock Mr F, tick tock!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Ressurection Of The 'Typical City'
When you talk about Manchester City you talk about ups and downs of a loyal fan base. The relegation to the old second division in 1998 followed a year on by one nail biting fight back at wembley. City fans will back then would tell you ’That’s typical City’. Just over a decade on and we are now a few weeks into our ninth successive season in the top flight of English football. The most consistent we have been since our promotion back in 1966 when we went 17 straight seasons before relegation.
Now that doesn’t mean we have been consistent in our results. Go to any seasons fixture list and you will be met with either a win or tough draw to a so called ’big four’ club followed by a defeat to a team destined for relegation. Either that or you will see we narrowly avoid relegation while also progressing to the latter stages of the domestic cup competition.
We have witnessed having a player sent off at half time in a cup competition while already 3-0 down only to win the game 4-3! That same season we also beat Manchester United 4-1 and followed that with a loss to a finally relegated Leeds Utd. We are probably the only team to have an ex Prime Minister as our chairman. Who was previously overthrown in a coup and is now currently in self imposed exile as he and his wife face jail if they return to their home country! But again if you asked the regular City fan they would again remind you that was just typical City!
But now that tag of typical city was meant to have been exorcised and with our new found millions, cups a plenty were promised to be flowing in. The backroom staff even invested in copious amounts of Mr Sheen for the occasion! However silverware has eluded us for another two years and elimination from the League cup after only the first game closes the door on that particular avenue for silverware. However we are currently topping our group in the Europa league. (For those of you who do not know what the Europa league is, just think of it as the special school for European teams. Whoever wins it will get nothing more than a pat on the head and a well done while eyes turn to the more handsome, smarter big brother of a competition, The Champions League). However the Europa league is still a competition and a win on Thursday will see us become more assured of our passage through to the knockout stages.
We do not go into the match with the best of preparations however. As most of you will know we suffered a defeat against Arsenal, although for 85 minutes we were playing a man down in the end the result does not tell the whole story as City fought all the way against what are a good passing side. No the real disappointment came on Saturday when the mighty, free spending City fell down 2-1 to newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanders. This despite going 1-0 up initially. The performance after the opening goal was a disgrace with Mercer and the recently departed Allison probably turning in their graves at the shower on the pitch. Infighting between Adebayor and Kompany didn’t help along with pictures in the tabloids a few days earlier of a couple of City players out drinking. All this along with the rumored altercation between Tevez and boss Mancini is not good for the progression of our team.
And although Gareth Barry today came out to say there is no rift within the team the evidence for the most part doesn’t back up that thought. It is clear however that Mancini needs to regain control of the team in every aspect. He has clearly stated a couple of times his concern for the ‘drinking culture’ so wouldn’t it be in line to now fine players heavily for disobeying the clubs directives? It is also ok to drop players or for players to lose their place for such a display. Gareth Barry was one of the players at the centre of the drinking allegations and he has not been up to a good level consistently for the club. We have a number of players warming the bench so replace him.
The bottom line is we can ill afford to change our manager again. It will take time and a few egos will have to be brought into check, Mr Santa Cruz please listen. We still have time to correct all the underlying problems at the club because despite the lows of the past two weeks, we have been through worse and in fact are still fourth in the table. We are still top of the Europa league and have yet to enter the FA Cup. We may have lost against Sunderland, Arsenal and Wolves in the league this season but the truth is only one of those did we come away ashamed of the performance. As I said earlier, we were down to ten men after five minutes against Arsenal and Sunderland scored from the spot late on after we dominated the first half. The fact is after 10 games last season we only had two points more than we do now.
Have no doubt though if Mancini doesn’t get control of the team and quick and this blip turns into an extended slide down the table then I am sure he will be replaced by Christmas and we will have to start all over again. The team has been expensivly assembled and it is now time for the players to show the world they are worth the money.
Now that doesn’t mean we have been consistent in our results. Go to any seasons fixture list and you will be met with either a win or tough draw to a so called ’big four’ club followed by a defeat to a team destined for relegation. Either that or you will see we narrowly avoid relegation while also progressing to the latter stages of the domestic cup competition.
We have witnessed having a player sent off at half time in a cup competition while already 3-0 down only to win the game 4-3! That same season we also beat Manchester United 4-1 and followed that with a loss to a finally relegated Leeds Utd. We are probably the only team to have an ex Prime Minister as our chairman. Who was previously overthrown in a coup and is now currently in self imposed exile as he and his wife face jail if they return to their home country! But again if you asked the regular City fan they would again remind you that was just typical City!
But now that tag of typical city was meant to have been exorcised and with our new found millions, cups a plenty were promised to be flowing in. The backroom staff even invested in copious amounts of Mr Sheen for the occasion! However silverware has eluded us for another two years and elimination from the League cup after only the first game closes the door on that particular avenue for silverware. However we are currently topping our group in the Europa league. (For those of you who do not know what the Europa league is, just think of it as the special school for European teams. Whoever wins it will get nothing more than a pat on the head and a well done while eyes turn to the more handsome, smarter big brother of a competition, The Champions League). However the Europa league is still a competition and a win on Thursday will see us become more assured of our passage through to the knockout stages.
We do not go into the match with the best of preparations however. As most of you will know we suffered a defeat against Arsenal, although for 85 minutes we were playing a man down in the end the result does not tell the whole story as City fought all the way against what are a good passing side. No the real disappointment came on Saturday when the mighty, free spending City fell down 2-1 to newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanders. This despite going 1-0 up initially. The performance after the opening goal was a disgrace with Mercer and the recently departed Allison probably turning in their graves at the shower on the pitch. Infighting between Adebayor and Kompany didn’t help along with pictures in the tabloids a few days earlier of a couple of City players out drinking. All this along with the rumored altercation between Tevez and boss Mancini is not good for the progression of our team.
And although Gareth Barry today came out to say there is no rift within the team the evidence for the most part doesn’t back up that thought. It is clear however that Mancini needs to regain control of the team in every aspect. He has clearly stated a couple of times his concern for the ‘drinking culture’ so wouldn’t it be in line to now fine players heavily for disobeying the clubs directives? It is also ok to drop players or for players to lose their place for such a display. Gareth Barry was one of the players at the centre of the drinking allegations and he has not been up to a good level consistently for the club. We have a number of players warming the bench so replace him.
The bottom line is we can ill afford to change our manager again. It will take time and a few egos will have to be brought into check, Mr Santa Cruz please listen. We still have time to correct all the underlying problems at the club because despite the lows of the past two weeks, we have been through worse and in fact are still fourth in the table. We are still top of the Europa league and have yet to enter the FA Cup. We may have lost against Sunderland, Arsenal and Wolves in the league this season but the truth is only one of those did we come away ashamed of the performance. As I said earlier, we were down to ten men after five minutes against Arsenal and Sunderland scored from the spot late on after we dominated the first half. The fact is after 10 games last season we only had two points more than we do now.
Have no doubt though if Mancini doesn’t get control of the team and quick and this blip turns into an extended slide down the table then I am sure he will be replaced by Christmas and we will have to start all over again. The team has been expensivly assembled and it is now time for the players to show the world they are worth the money.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Remembering Big Mal.
Today the world of football lost as a great as Malcolm Allison, aged 83, passed away. Mention ‘Big Mal ‘ to any City fan and they remember his partnership with Joe Mercer during the clubs glory days when the likes of Colin Bell, Mike Summerbee and Francis Lee stepping onto the field in a sky blue shirt was enough to frighten most opposition. But to remember him as ’just a partnership’ would be to rob the man of his true worth to the game we all love
It is true that his playing career was cut short after a bout of tuberculosis as he fell ill after turning out for West Ham. In hospital he had one lung removed, it was the 16th September 1957, his 238th game for West Ham and the last time he’d play professionally.
But as with anything in life what football lost in a player they gained back ten fold as a manager and coach. Mentoring a young player, who was later quoted as saying ‘I’d been a pro for two and a half months and Malcolm taught me everything I know…..I looked up to the man. It’s not to strong to say I loved him’. That young man went buy the name of Bobby Moore, I wonder what he went on to do?
His first managerial job came at non league Bath City. One of the first things he did was double the training sessions and his first season was a moderate success. As the season ended he went overseas to coach Toronto City but after a matter of weeks he was back in England. Plymouth now was his team but returned to Bath to sign a full back by the name of Tony Book.
Then came his role as assistant to Joe mercer at Manchester City. His on-field antics and successes, everyone knows but Allison pretty much invented ‘Sports science’ in football. Some methods and techniques he started are common place in todays game. Mike Summerbee recalls “We were doing things in 1965 on running machines at Salford University with massage based fitness, we trained in Wythenshawe Park with Derek Ibbotson and some of the Salford rugby league lads - that's how hard it was and how good it was”.
He would go on to manage Bristol Rovers, Middlesbrough, Yeovil and Crystal Palace in England and SC Farense, Kuwait, Vitoria de Setubal and Sporting abroad. He was appointed Palace boss in march 1973 and he could do nothing to save them from relegation. He then started a changing Palace both on and off the field, re-branding the clubs nickname from ’The Glaziers’ to ’The Eagles’ and ending the clubs 68 year association with their Claret and Blue strip. The red and blue stripes were introduced and after a second relegation the team reached the semi finals of the FA Cup where they lost out to eventual winners Southampton. Next up (after a short spell at Yeovil) Allison moved abroad to Sporting. There he would guide them to victory in the Supertaca Candido de oliveira, Cup of Portugal and the league title all in the same 1981-82 season, the very first ‘Special One?’
In 2001 it was revealed by his son that Allison was suffering from alcoholism. In 2009 it was reported that Allison was suffering from dementia
In January 2007 Crystal Palace fans organized a tribute to Allison, which they named 'Fedora Day' (because of his iconic lucky hat). Fans set up a campaign on www.cpfc.org, an unofficial forum dedicated to the club, to mark the 31st anniversary of the famous FA Cup run which Allison masterminded. The date chosen was that of the game against Preston North End in the 4th Round of the FA Cup on 27 January 2007. Fans sporting Allison's favored Fedoras smoked cigars and drank champagne while cheering on their side. This generated major national press coverage. Crystal Palace – managed by Peter Taylor, a star of the 1976 side – were unable to match their predecessors and were knocked out of the cup 2-0.
Allison died in a Sale nursing home on Thursday 14 October 2010 at the age of 83
It is true that his playing career was cut short after a bout of tuberculosis as he fell ill after turning out for West Ham. In hospital he had one lung removed, it was the 16th September 1957, his 238th game for West Ham and the last time he’d play professionally.
But as with anything in life what football lost in a player they gained back ten fold as a manager and coach. Mentoring a young player, who was later quoted as saying ‘I’d been a pro for two and a half months and Malcolm taught me everything I know…..I looked up to the man. It’s not to strong to say I loved him’. That young man went buy the name of Bobby Moore, I wonder what he went on to do?
His first managerial job came at non league Bath City. One of the first things he did was double the training sessions and his first season was a moderate success. As the season ended he went overseas to coach Toronto City but after a matter of weeks he was back in England. Plymouth now was his team but returned to Bath to sign a full back by the name of Tony Book.
Then came his role as assistant to Joe mercer at Manchester City. His on-field antics and successes, everyone knows but Allison pretty much invented ‘Sports science’ in football. Some methods and techniques he started are common place in todays game. Mike Summerbee recalls “We were doing things in 1965 on running machines at Salford University with massage based fitness, we trained in Wythenshawe Park with Derek Ibbotson and some of the Salford rugby league lads - that's how hard it was and how good it was”.
He would go on to manage Bristol Rovers, Middlesbrough, Yeovil and Crystal Palace in England and SC Farense, Kuwait, Vitoria de Setubal and Sporting abroad. He was appointed Palace boss in march 1973 and he could do nothing to save them from relegation. He then started a changing Palace both on and off the field, re-branding the clubs nickname from ’The Glaziers’ to ’The Eagles’ and ending the clubs 68 year association with their Claret and Blue strip. The red and blue stripes were introduced and after a second relegation the team reached the semi finals of the FA Cup where they lost out to eventual winners Southampton. Next up (after a short spell at Yeovil) Allison moved abroad to Sporting. There he would guide them to victory in the Supertaca Candido de oliveira, Cup of Portugal and the league title all in the same 1981-82 season, the very first ‘Special One?’
In 2001 it was revealed by his son that Allison was suffering from alcoholism. In 2009 it was reported that Allison was suffering from dementia
In January 2007 Crystal Palace fans organized a tribute to Allison, which they named 'Fedora Day' (because of his iconic lucky hat). Fans set up a campaign on www.cpfc.org, an unofficial forum dedicated to the club, to mark the 31st anniversary of the famous FA Cup run which Allison masterminded. The date chosen was that of the game against Preston North End in the 4th Round of the FA Cup on 27 January 2007. Fans sporting Allison's favored Fedoras smoked cigars and drank champagne while cheering on their side. This generated major national press coverage. Crystal Palace – managed by Peter Taylor, a star of the 1976 side – were unable to match their predecessors and were knocked out of the cup 2-0.
Allison died in a Sale nursing home on Thursday 14 October 2010 at the age of 83
Saturday, July 3, 2010
World Cup - Semi Finals
I will be so glad when this World Cup is over. Not that it hasn't been entertaining with some surprising results but I really have kinda lost interest since England and the US went out. Plus with my favorite team, Manchester City so active in the transfer market I am itching for the EPL season to start!
It's OK though because July 31st I will drag my girlfriend to Baltimore to watch the mighty City take on Inter Milan in a friendly.
But World Cup has to reach its conclusion first. The semi finals see Uruguay play the Netherlands in the first match up and the mighty Germany take on Spain.
Uruguay made it through to the semis first by winning their Group. Then they beat South Korea before only scrapping through by the thickness of a crossbar in the Quarters against Africa's last hope, Ghana. Hollands progress was much more that of champions. They won all three of their group games to finish top. In the next round they dispatched Slovakia to set up a match with Brazil. This was a match up that on paper and according to history should have seen Brazil in the semis and cruising to yet another Final place. However no one gave the script to Holland (or Melo) and the only place Dunga and co were going to samba to was the South African International airport.
Germany stuttered in the group stage losing against Serbia. However that was just a glitch as they emulated their 1939 campaign by taking on, dominating and then crushing nations. First was Australia in the group stage, 4-0. Then in the first knockout stage my beloved England were made to look pathetic (OK so maybe we helped with that one) beating us 4-1 before tearing Argentina a 'new one'. Next up for them are Spain and the mood the Germans are in you feel for the Spanish. They didn't set the place on fire, losing to the Swiss in the opening game but have not lost since although their scalps consisted of Chile and Honduras. A single goal was enough in each of their knockout rounds, shutting out Portugal and Paraguay in the process.
My predictions have been hit or miss but like the English FA, why stop the humiliation, lets continue. I think Holland will beat Uruguay and set up a final game with Germany.
It's OK though because July 31st I will drag my girlfriend to Baltimore to watch the mighty City take on Inter Milan in a friendly.
But World Cup has to reach its conclusion first. The semi finals see Uruguay play the Netherlands in the first match up and the mighty Germany take on Spain.
Uruguay made it through to the semis first by winning their Group. Then they beat South Korea before only scrapping through by the thickness of a crossbar in the Quarters against Africa's last hope, Ghana. Hollands progress was much more that of champions. They won all three of their group games to finish top. In the next round they dispatched Slovakia to set up a match with Brazil. This was a match up that on paper and according to history should have seen Brazil in the semis and cruising to yet another Final place. However no one gave the script to Holland (or Melo) and the only place Dunga and co were going to samba to was the South African International airport.
Germany stuttered in the group stage losing against Serbia. However that was just a glitch as they emulated their 1939 campaign by taking on, dominating and then crushing nations. First was Australia in the group stage, 4-0. Then in the first knockout stage my beloved England were made to look pathetic (OK so maybe we helped with that one) beating us 4-1 before tearing Argentina a 'new one'. Next up for them are Spain and the mood the Germans are in you feel for the Spanish. They didn't set the place on fire, losing to the Swiss in the opening game but have not lost since although their scalps consisted of Chile and Honduras. A single goal was enough in each of their knockout rounds, shutting out Portugal and Paraguay in the process.
My predictions have been hit or miss but like the English FA, why stop the humiliation, lets continue. I think Holland will beat Uruguay and set up a final game with Germany.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
World Cup - Quarter Finals
It is getting closer now. After starting just over two weeks ago with 32 teams we now find ourselves down to the final eight that will compete for the trophy.
Holland V Brazil:
In the first of the two quarter final games on Friday sees Holland face Brazil. Holland are looking like the real deal right now having added Slovakia's scalp to the three scalps they gained in group play. However they will not be looking forward to facing Brazil who tend to always do what they need to do in order to progress. Brazil have a bunch of players that are the complete opposite of the English squad. That is to say that when playing in the EPL for their clubs they tend to be lazy and really not up for it. However when they put on that yellow shirt of Brazil then they play with swagger and an arrogance that sometimes is nothing short of spectacular. The English team play great for their individual clubs but as soon as they have those three lions on their chest then they turn into a bunch of stooges. OK anger out now move on!
Prediction: Really could go either way but will go for Brazil 2-1
Uruguay V Ghana:
Both of these teams will be very happy with what, for both, is a very winnable game. Uruguay won their group ahead of Mexico and the disappointing French team. It is fair to say that the whole of Africa will be behind the Ghana team as they are the only representatives left. South African fans may also wanting a Ghana win as Uruguay were obviously in South Africa's group.
Ghana are the only team left in the competition that qualified second in their group. This makes Group D the only group to have both teams left in the competition, which means Group C is the only one without one.
Prediction: Uruguay 2-0
Argentina V Germany:
Oh what could have been if England didn't stink! Despite Germany scoring four against England I think it was more down to England's defensive inability more than Germany's creation and flowing move. Take any of the goals and you can point to a number of things that didn't happen with Terry and Co which comes under "Defense 101". Argentina were my pick before a ball was kicked and I see no reason to change now. Whatever you think of Maradonna or Argentina you have to applaud the way this team seems to be a real unit. The third goal against Mexico was their 10Th of the competition, winning all four of their games so far. Again I think Messi and Tevez will be testing Mertsacker and Co way more than the England front line did and I think at the back the Argies will be tighter also.
Prediction: Argentina 3-0! (OK maybe wishful thinking but allow me that one parting shot!)
Paraguay V Spain:
Paraguay have had a lot of luck over the course of this tournament and I expect that to run out against the Spanish. Paraguay qualified with 5 points and having only scored three goals and that continued against Japan, scoring no goals and winning on penalties. This means they have the lowest goal tally of all the teams still in the competition (closely followed by Ghana with 4).
Spain got off to a slow start but have progressed very well since that 1-0 defeat to Switzerland. They have won every game since and recently dispatched what could have been a potential banana skin tie against neighbours Portugal.
Prediction: Spain 2-0
Holland V Brazil:
In the first of the two quarter final games on Friday sees Holland face Brazil. Holland are looking like the real deal right now having added Slovakia's scalp to the three scalps they gained in group play. However they will not be looking forward to facing Brazil who tend to always do what they need to do in order to progress. Brazil have a bunch of players that are the complete opposite of the English squad. That is to say that when playing in the EPL for their clubs they tend to be lazy and really not up for it. However when they put on that yellow shirt of Brazil then they play with swagger and an arrogance that sometimes is nothing short of spectacular. The English team play great for their individual clubs but as soon as they have those three lions on their chest then they turn into a bunch of stooges. OK anger out now move on!
Prediction: Really could go either way but will go for Brazil 2-1
Uruguay V Ghana:
Both of these teams will be very happy with what, for both, is a very winnable game. Uruguay won their group ahead of Mexico and the disappointing French team. It is fair to say that the whole of Africa will be behind the Ghana team as they are the only representatives left. South African fans may also wanting a Ghana win as Uruguay were obviously in South Africa's group.
Ghana are the only team left in the competition that qualified second in their group. This makes Group D the only group to have both teams left in the competition, which means Group C is the only one without one.
Prediction: Uruguay 2-0
Argentina V Germany:
Oh what could have been if England didn't stink! Despite Germany scoring four against England I think it was more down to England's defensive inability more than Germany's creation and flowing move. Take any of the goals and you can point to a number of things that didn't happen with Terry and Co which comes under "Defense 101". Argentina were my pick before a ball was kicked and I see no reason to change now. Whatever you think of Maradonna or Argentina you have to applaud the way this team seems to be a real unit. The third goal against Mexico was their 10Th of the competition, winning all four of their games so far. Again I think Messi and Tevez will be testing Mertsacker and Co way more than the England front line did and I think at the back the Argies will be tighter also.
Prediction: Argentina 3-0! (OK maybe wishful thinking but allow me that one parting shot!)
Paraguay V Spain:
Paraguay have had a lot of luck over the course of this tournament and I expect that to run out against the Spanish. Paraguay qualified with 5 points and having only scored three goals and that continued against Japan, scoring no goals and winning on penalties. This means they have the lowest goal tally of all the teams still in the competition (closely followed by Ghana with 4).
Spain got off to a slow start but have progressed very well since that 1-0 defeat to Switzerland. They have won every game since and recently dispatched what could have been a potential banana skin tie against neighbours Portugal.
Prediction: Spain 2-0
Friday, June 25, 2010
World Cup - Round of 16
So now the group stages are all done and dusted. This is the exciting time where each team must win or go home. The round has thrown up some interesting ties and here is my breakdown of the games.
Uruguay V South Korea:
Going by the previous round you have to say Uruguay are the favorites. Diego Forlan seems to have found a new lease on life but you have to wonder if he has what it takes to keep carrying the team for much longer. However, write South Korea off at your peril. They did what they needed to do against Group rivals Nigeria and saw off a below par Greek side in the first game. Their only blip was falling 4-1 to Argentina. Prediction: 1-0 Uruguay
USA V Ghana:
A rematch of the group game in Germany 2006. That day the USa had just come off a great draw with a top European team before losing 2-1 to the African nation. To be fair the USA did well to finish top of the group and avoided the Germans. This although a potential banana skin for both teams could also see one of the easiest progressions to the semi finals, with the opponents for the victor being either Uraguay or S.Korea. Meanwhile Ghana will feel the weight of the African nations expectations on their shoulders. This could either push them on or pull them under. Prediction 2-0 Ghana
Argentina V Mexico:
I said before the World cup ever kicked of that Argentina were the ones to watch. This hasn't changed, they have dominated their group with wins over all three group opponents, the last one coming courtesy of the 'reserve team'. Mexico on the other hand have stuttered and been less than convincing. They tied their opening game with South Africa and lost to Uruguay. Sandwiched between those games was the lone victory against the French. Messi and co will have more than enough for this Mexican team. Prediction: 3-0 Argentina
Netherlands V Slovakia:
Like Argentina the Dutch also won all their games to qualify top of Group E. They are looking like the most complete Dutch team for a long time but will face an unpredictable Slovakian side. In their group Slovakia tied with 78th ranked New Zealand, then lost 2-0 to eventual group winners Paraguay. Then came the game of the group sending a poor Italian side home. Prediction: 1-0 Netherlands
Brazil V Chile:
Although Chile did very well to get this far and Brazil haven't exactly set the world on fire as yet you know that the Brazilians will always do what they need to do to progress. However I think Chile will have to play with no fear and for this reason I think they will take Brazil all the way, possibly even to penalties, maybe? Ok maybe not. Prediction 2-0 Brazil
Paraguay v Japan:
Both of these teams will be looking at this match as one they can win. Japan finishing second may have expected to face the Italians on any other day but this time around they have played well and after beating Denmark and Cameroon will certainly not fear Paraguay. The same can be said of Paraguay, with their campaign yet to contain a loss. I do however think the Japanese will have a little more when it comes to it and probably progress. Prediction 2-1 Japan
Spain V Portugal:
This is probably the most difficult to predict. Neither team has really found their feet so far in this tournament. It really will be a case of who steps up in this game. I expect a rather tediuos game, lots of rolling around, fouls and cards. The eventual winners may even have to be determined by the dreaded penalty kicks. Prediction: Spain (penalties)
Germany V England:
Rooney's shot hitting the post means we finished second and face Germany rather than finishing top and facing Ghana. Many people may see that as a bad thing but I tend to think that we play better when we need to pull out a performance. For example our first two games were against lesser opposition and we looked terrible. However when we needed a win we played with more determination and got what we needed. Facing Germany may kick start our players to play at a higher level. After that, if we progress then its Argentina or Mexico. Prediction: Yeah right!
Uruguay V South Korea:
Going by the previous round you have to say Uruguay are the favorites. Diego Forlan seems to have found a new lease on life but you have to wonder if he has what it takes to keep carrying the team for much longer. However, write South Korea off at your peril. They did what they needed to do against Group rivals Nigeria and saw off a below par Greek side in the first game. Their only blip was falling 4-1 to Argentina. Prediction: 1-0 Uruguay
USA V Ghana:
A rematch of the group game in Germany 2006. That day the USa had just come off a great draw with a top European team before losing 2-1 to the African nation. To be fair the USA did well to finish top of the group and avoided the Germans. This although a potential banana skin for both teams could also see one of the easiest progressions to the semi finals, with the opponents for the victor being either Uraguay or S.Korea. Meanwhile Ghana will feel the weight of the African nations expectations on their shoulders. This could either push them on or pull them under. Prediction 2-0 Ghana
Argentina V Mexico:
I said before the World cup ever kicked of that Argentina were the ones to watch. This hasn't changed, they have dominated their group with wins over all three group opponents, the last one coming courtesy of the 'reserve team'. Mexico on the other hand have stuttered and been less than convincing. They tied their opening game with South Africa and lost to Uruguay. Sandwiched between those games was the lone victory against the French. Messi and co will have more than enough for this Mexican team. Prediction: 3-0 Argentina
Netherlands V Slovakia:
Like Argentina the Dutch also won all their games to qualify top of Group E. They are looking like the most complete Dutch team for a long time but will face an unpredictable Slovakian side. In their group Slovakia tied with 78th ranked New Zealand, then lost 2-0 to eventual group winners Paraguay. Then came the game of the group sending a poor Italian side home. Prediction: 1-0 Netherlands
Brazil V Chile:
Although Chile did very well to get this far and Brazil haven't exactly set the world on fire as yet you know that the Brazilians will always do what they need to do to progress. However I think Chile will have to play with no fear and for this reason I think they will take Brazil all the way, possibly even to penalties, maybe? Ok maybe not. Prediction 2-0 Brazil
Paraguay v Japan:
Both of these teams will be looking at this match as one they can win. Japan finishing second may have expected to face the Italians on any other day but this time around they have played well and after beating Denmark and Cameroon will certainly not fear Paraguay. The same can be said of Paraguay, with their campaign yet to contain a loss. I do however think the Japanese will have a little more when it comes to it and probably progress. Prediction 2-1 Japan
Spain V Portugal:
This is probably the most difficult to predict. Neither team has really found their feet so far in this tournament. It really will be a case of who steps up in this game. I expect a rather tediuos game, lots of rolling around, fouls and cards. The eventual winners may even have to be determined by the dreaded penalty kicks. Prediction: Spain (penalties)
Germany V England:
Rooney's shot hitting the post means we finished second and face Germany rather than finishing top and facing Ghana. Many people may see that as a bad thing but I tend to think that we play better when we need to pull out a performance. For example our first two games were against lesser opposition and we looked terrible. However when we needed a win we played with more determination and got what we needed. Facing Germany may kick start our players to play at a higher level. After that, if we progress then its Argentina or Mexico. Prediction: Yeah right!
World Cup - Group Stage (Part Three)
So now the tedious Group stages have come to an end and a few surprises were duly delivered. Here is a group by group review of the third round of matches in each group.
Group A: France went into the final game with more team action happening off the field than on it. Les Bleus lost their final game against hosts South Africa (who also head out). Now the French public are holding a public inquiry about the poor performance and the French PM Sarkozy is to hold a private one. Certainly the opposite can be said about the hosts who, considering their ranking of 83, did very well and DID NOT end up bottom of the pile. The French should just be glad that the guillotine has been outlawed.
Mexico, as predicted, go through along with final round opponents, Uruguay.
Group B: They say the line between genius and crazy is very fine and that is no more evident than in the man that is Diego Maradona. Shuffling the pack for the last game and still coming up with a win. Three wins from three, top of the group and looking good to go all the way.
South Korea are the other team go through after a 2-2 draw with Nigeria in the final game, who go home along with the Greeks.
Group C: England finally step up their game in what was a must win game but it was not enough to grab top spot. The top spot went to the American team after Landy Cakes scored in the 91st minute against Algeria.
Slovenia went home with Algeria as expected.
Group D: The Germans did enough against Ghana to bounce back from their soft loss to Serbia in the previous round. Ghana, despite their loss, go through in second place and were to be the only African nation to do so.
Australia finished off their campaign with a win and it was only due to their slow start against Germany in the competition, losing 4-0 which sent the Aussies home on goal difference only.
Group E: Holland were through before these round of games were played but that didn't stop them still continuing their tradition during this World Cup and come away with a win.
The other game in this group saw Denmark face Japan with both teams knowing a win for them would send them through. It was Japan that would step it up to the next level as they sent Denmark home with Cameroon with a final 3-1 win.
Group F: In what could be classed as the best 15 minutes of the World Cup Italy followed France out of the Competition and in the process became the highest FIFA ranked team to exit South Africa.
Meanwhile New Zealand remained undefeated in the tournament but still go home. The All Whites again will be proud of their performance as no one really expected them to get a point from this experience.
Group G: Brazil and Portugal make it through...big surprise. The real surprise is that Portugal only went through over Ivory Coast on goal difference after slamming seven past North Korea in the previous round. Brazil did what they needed to do to get through but I am still unsure about the Portuguese team and their progression.
Group H: Spain went into the final game with nerves as they wanted to stop becoming the third big European team to go home at the first hurdle. The Spanish need not have worried though as they would win and progress along with the team they just beat, Chile.
Switzerland knew that a win combined with a win for either team in the other game would see them go through. However, maybe still on a high from the Spain win in the opening game, they failed to score against a weak Honduras side.
Group A: France went into the final game with more team action happening off the field than on it. Les Bleus lost their final game against hosts South Africa (who also head out). Now the French public are holding a public inquiry about the poor performance and the French PM Sarkozy is to hold a private one. Certainly the opposite can be said about the hosts who, considering their ranking of 83, did very well and DID NOT end up bottom of the pile. The French should just be glad that the guillotine has been outlawed.
Mexico, as predicted, go through along with final round opponents, Uruguay.
Group B: They say the line between genius and crazy is very fine and that is no more evident than in the man that is Diego Maradona. Shuffling the pack for the last game and still coming up with a win. Three wins from three, top of the group and looking good to go all the way.
South Korea are the other team go through after a 2-2 draw with Nigeria in the final game, who go home along with the Greeks.
Group C: England finally step up their game in what was a must win game but it was not enough to grab top spot. The top spot went to the American team after Landy Cakes scored in the 91st minute against Algeria.
Slovenia went home with Algeria as expected.
Group D: The Germans did enough against Ghana to bounce back from their soft loss to Serbia in the previous round. Ghana, despite their loss, go through in second place and were to be the only African nation to do so.
Australia finished off their campaign with a win and it was only due to their slow start against Germany in the competition, losing 4-0 which sent the Aussies home on goal difference only.
Group E: Holland were through before these round of games were played but that didn't stop them still continuing their tradition during this World Cup and come away with a win.
The other game in this group saw Denmark face Japan with both teams knowing a win for them would send them through. It was Japan that would step it up to the next level as they sent Denmark home with Cameroon with a final 3-1 win.
Group F: In what could be classed as the best 15 minutes of the World Cup Italy followed France out of the Competition and in the process became the highest FIFA ranked team to exit South Africa.
Meanwhile New Zealand remained undefeated in the tournament but still go home. The All Whites again will be proud of their performance as no one really expected them to get a point from this experience.
Group G: Brazil and Portugal make it through...big surprise. The real surprise is that Portugal only went through over Ivory Coast on goal difference after slamming seven past North Korea in the previous round. Brazil did what they needed to do to get through but I am still unsure about the Portuguese team and their progression.
Group H: Spain went into the final game with nerves as they wanted to stop becoming the third big European team to go home at the first hurdle. The Spanish need not have worried though as they would win and progress along with the team they just beat, Chile.
Switzerland knew that a win combined with a win for either team in the other game would see them go through. However, maybe still on a high from the Spain win in the opening game, they failed to score against a weak Honduras side.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
England - World Cup History
So England have just qualified from Group C and we will now face our old enemy Germany in the next round. It is fair to say that we hardly illuminated the Group but overall how does this England team relate to the history of our nation in the greatest team competition in the world?
We have been entered into 13 World Cups (including 2010) and only twice have we failed to progress from the group stage (1950 and 1958). We all know that our best performance came in the 1966 World Cup, which was on our home turf but the best finish on foreign soil happened twenty years ago in Italia 90 when we managed to make it all the way to the Semi Finals. Interestingly enough in that tournament we tied the first two games against Ireland 1-1 and Holland 0-0 and won the last game against Egypt 1-0.
We are up against Germany in the next round and our history against them really isn't to bad (West Germany and Germany stats are combined for this section). We have played them in the World Cup four times and won once but never on foreign soil. We have lost two and tied the other scoring seven and conceding six. Goals are never a problem in this fixture...unfortunatly penalties are.
IF we progress against Germany then we will face Argentina or Mexico. We have only played Mexico once and that ended in a 2-0 win for the Three Lions. On the other end of the scale, we have played Argentina five times. This is the most we have played any country in the World Cup finals, won 3 and lost 2. We have scored 8 goals and conceded 5, which is better than our stats against lesser teams like Hungary, USA, Morocco or Algeria.
All the hype has been surrounding Wayne Rooney during this World Cup however he is still to score a goal in the finals. Out of our four strikers he is still the only one to never score at the finals now that Defoe netted against Slovenia yesterday. Gary Lineker still holds the highest scoring honor with 8 goals and the one and only Geoff Hurst is second with 5.
With Stevie G scoring after four minutes against the USA he moved his total World Cup tally to three and is joint fifth along with Lofthouse, Hunt and Beckham. If he scores one more then he would move to be on a par with Michael Owen and Bobby Charlton.
Taking the field yesterday against Slovenia was Englands 55th appearance in the finals and the victory was their 25th. We have now scored 72 goals since its inception and conceded only 46. As for tournament to tournament the most goals we have scored was 11, but again that was in 1966. the most on foreign soil was 8 and that occured in 1954. The lest amount scored in a World Cup we participated in was just the two and that was in 1950 when we failed at the group stage.
All in all it seems that when we start in the groups slower we tend to progress further (eg 1966 and 1990) and when we play 'bigger' opposition we tend to up our performance although sometimes the result doesn't follow.
We have been entered into 13 World Cups (including 2010) and only twice have we failed to progress from the group stage (1950 and 1958). We all know that our best performance came in the 1966 World Cup, which was on our home turf but the best finish on foreign soil happened twenty years ago in Italia 90 when we managed to make it all the way to the Semi Finals. Interestingly enough in that tournament we tied the first two games against Ireland 1-1 and Holland 0-0 and won the last game against Egypt 1-0.
We are up against Germany in the next round and our history against them really isn't to bad (West Germany and Germany stats are combined for this section). We have played them in the World Cup four times and won once but never on foreign soil. We have lost two and tied the other scoring seven and conceding six. Goals are never a problem in this fixture...unfortunatly penalties are.
IF we progress against Germany then we will face Argentina or Mexico. We have only played Mexico once and that ended in a 2-0 win for the Three Lions. On the other end of the scale, we have played Argentina five times. This is the most we have played any country in the World Cup finals, won 3 and lost 2. We have scored 8 goals and conceded 5, which is better than our stats against lesser teams like Hungary, USA, Morocco or Algeria.
All the hype has been surrounding Wayne Rooney during this World Cup however he is still to score a goal in the finals. Out of our four strikers he is still the only one to never score at the finals now that Defoe netted against Slovenia yesterday. Gary Lineker still holds the highest scoring honor with 8 goals and the one and only Geoff Hurst is second with 5.
With Stevie G scoring after four minutes against the USA he moved his total World Cup tally to three and is joint fifth along with Lofthouse, Hunt and Beckham. If he scores one more then he would move to be on a par with Michael Owen and Bobby Charlton.
Taking the field yesterday against Slovenia was Englands 55th appearance in the finals and the victory was their 25th. We have now scored 72 goals since its inception and conceded only 46. As for tournament to tournament the most goals we have scored was 11, but again that was in 1966. the most on foreign soil was 8 and that occured in 1954. The lest amount scored in a World Cup we participated in was just the two and that was in 1950 when we failed at the group stage.
All in all it seems that when we start in the groups slower we tend to progress further (eg 1966 and 1990) and when we play 'bigger' opposition we tend to up our performance although sometimes the result doesn't follow.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Everybody Hates Raymond!!
France go into their final game against the Tournament hosts South Africa on Tuesday with the eyes of the World firmly focused on Les Bleu. With the French World Cup campaign having more excitement off the pitch rather than on it will be interesting if the French galvanize for one last hurrah or sign off with a whimper. In 2006 they were runners up in this competition but four years later they head into the final game with no goals and only the single point.
Heading into the World Cup you felt that the Coach Domenech was in an untenable position. With the decision already being public that after this World Cup he would be removed as head coach and Laurent Blanc installed it made his job with a bunch of individual egos more difficult.
Nicolas Anelka possibly unsurprisingly was recently sent home after getting into and then failing to apologize for a foul mouthed rant at outgoing head coach, Raymond Domenech during half time in the loss to Mexico.
Once Anelka was removed the farce continued on Sunday with what was meant to be an open training session. This was designed in part to help heal the rift between the players and supporters and instead of seeing a top European team go through their paces the supporters instead saw Patrice Evra get into a stand up argument with a fitness coach and then the players flat out refused to train. From the team bus they issued a statement protesting the treatment of Anelka.
The episode has enraged the French public back home and President Nicolas Sarkozy has stated the whole situation as unacceptable, while his advisor Henri Guaino was distressed by the situation, saying "It's no longer football; it's no longer sport," he said. "In fact, it's no longer a team". The team director Jean-Louis Valentin resigned in disgust at the scandal and I am sure if France still utilized the guillotine then many more heads would roll! In fact the President has asked the French Sports Minister to stay in South Africa to help sort it out and on Monday Domenech and Evra will meet Jean-Pierre Escalettes for talks. Maybe more worryingly than this Benny Hill sketch that is the French team would be accusations from some corners that the whole player rebellion is down to race. Certainly that is a different mentality than the multi ethnic team that did so well by winning the World Cup in 1998, nicknamed ’Blacks, Blancs and Beurs’ (Blacks, Whites and Arabs)
The situation has become so bad that many back home probably hope that the team fall to South Africa and head back home to regroup before any more headlines get written. Sponsors are already pulling their ads but the whole situation could have been avoided in my opinion if the French Federation had stepped up to the plate before the team headed out, a whole two years ago. After the Euro Championships when the French crashed out at the first hurdle losing 4-1 to Holland and 2-0 to Italy. In fact just like so far their only point came in their opening game, again a 0-0. At that point if it was felt that Domenech wasn’t the man then he should have been pulled then. Going into a major tournament knowing you are losing your job hardly motivates you to ‘try’ and some of the players with their egos know that he will not be there after so why should they listen to his direction.
Heading into the World Cup you felt that the Coach Domenech was in an untenable position. With the decision already being public that after this World Cup he would be removed as head coach and Laurent Blanc installed it made his job with a bunch of individual egos more difficult.
Nicolas Anelka possibly unsurprisingly was recently sent home after getting into and then failing to apologize for a foul mouthed rant at outgoing head coach, Raymond Domenech during half time in the loss to Mexico.
Once Anelka was removed the farce continued on Sunday with what was meant to be an open training session. This was designed in part to help heal the rift between the players and supporters and instead of seeing a top European team go through their paces the supporters instead saw Patrice Evra get into a stand up argument with a fitness coach and then the players flat out refused to train. From the team bus they issued a statement protesting the treatment of Anelka.
The episode has enraged the French public back home and President Nicolas Sarkozy has stated the whole situation as unacceptable, while his advisor Henri Guaino was distressed by the situation, saying "It's no longer football; it's no longer sport," he said. "In fact, it's no longer a team". The team director Jean-Louis Valentin resigned in disgust at the scandal and I am sure if France still utilized the guillotine then many more heads would roll! In fact the President has asked the French Sports Minister to stay in South Africa to help sort it out and on Monday Domenech and Evra will meet Jean-Pierre Escalettes for talks. Maybe more worryingly than this Benny Hill sketch that is the French team would be accusations from some corners that the whole player rebellion is down to race. Certainly that is a different mentality than the multi ethnic team that did so well by winning the World Cup in 1998, nicknamed ’Blacks, Blancs and Beurs’ (Blacks, Whites and Arabs)
The situation has become so bad that many back home probably hope that the team fall to South Africa and head back home to regroup before any more headlines get written. Sponsors are already pulling their ads but the whole situation could have been avoided in my opinion if the French Federation had stepped up to the plate before the team headed out, a whole two years ago. After the Euro Championships when the French crashed out at the first hurdle losing 4-1 to Holland and 2-0 to Italy. In fact just like so far their only point came in their opening game, again a 0-0. At that point if it was felt that Domenech wasn’t the man then he should have been pulled then. Going into a major tournament knowing you are losing your job hardly motivates you to ‘try’ and some of the players with their egos know that he will not be there after so why should they listen to his direction.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
World Cup - Group Stage (Part Two)
Ok so each team now have the second game of the group in the books and what has been decided? Very little. Teams that were expected to dominate have stalled and teams expected to be whipping boys have made the competition exciting.
Group A: After the first round being nothing but ties it left the group wide open. Uruaguay were first up and they silenced the vuvuzelas with a decimating 3-0 win over the hosts meanwhile Mexico beat a disfunctional French team 2-0 which now leaves both Mexico and Uruaguay to face each other in the last game, both only needing a draw to ensure they progress. The French team will not be helped in their last game against South Africa with the news of unrest in the camp after the incredible sulk, Anelka was expelled from the squad. It is realistic that France will find themselves bottom of the group come Tuesday night. It is still not impossible for one of these bottom two teams to qualify but it would need a big win and one eye on the other game.
Group B: Argentina continue their run for the cup with a 4-1 domination of the South Koreans. Despite Peles criticism of Maradonnas coaching skills you cannot argue with two wins from two games. Next up are Greece and a draw or better will guarantee them top spot. Second spot however is still up for grabs with the Koreans and Greece tied with three points each.
Nigeria are yet to register a point as yet but a win against South Korea coupled with an Argentina win could see them progress.
Group C: England continue to dissapoint as they fail to score against Algeria in what should have been the easiest game in the group. England though could still qualify top if they beat Slovenia and the US ties with Algeria, loses or wins but by less goals than an England win. A win is needed and expected by the England fans who along with the French and Italians have been very dissapointed with their teams so far.
The USA will need to focus in their last game against Algeria and not allow the disputed call against Slovenia distract from their next game. Whether you think the US were robbed or not doesn't change the fact that they only have two points. Their fate is in their hands and a win against Algeria will see the Yanks advance to the knockout stages. That said don't rule out Slovenia who currently lead the group or Algeria who, if were to win against the USA could theoretically find themselves through also.
Group D: Ghana, the only African side in the tournament to register a win find themselves going into the third game top, above Germany. However it is that European team that they find themselves up against next and with Germany needing a win to make their progress certain it certainly will not be easy for Ghana to progress. A draw is all they need but with Serbia and even Australia not out of it I doubt the Germans will be content with just the one point.
Group E: Holland are through already and Cameroon have already packed their cases in this group. As those two teams face each other with Cameroon playing for pride it will be the other Group E game pitting the Danes against the Japanese which will be of most interest. A draw should see Japan through and obviously if there is a winner that team goes through. It will take Holland to lose against Cameroon before their first spot can be challenged.
Group F: Italy, the current holders could find themselves out of the tournament totally with a loss against Slovakia. New Zealand are the surprise package and could go through with a win even a draw with Paraguay IF the Italians draw AND their draw involves more goals than the Italian one. Paraguay would have to lose to the All Whites AND see an Italian win in order not to go through. In fact a draw is all they need to progress.
Group G: Brazil have another three points from the game against the Ivory coast and sit atop the group. However Brazil have been far from convincing so far, just scraping through against North Korea and letting the Ivorians bait them toward the end of the second game. The situation was not helped by manager Dunga who failed to substitute Kaka when he was on a yellow and the game won (later Kaka would get a second yellow and now misses the final game which could decide Group Winners). Meanwhile Portugal absolutly tore into the Koreans in their second game, walking away with a 7-0 victory. Both Portugal and Brazil are certain to qualify UNLESS Portugal lose to Brazil by a ton of goals and the Ivory Coast beat North Korea by a ton. Not impossible but I will assume the Koreans and Ivory Coast will meet in their last match with a pride win being all they leave with.
Group H: Spain got back on track with a win against Honduras to go second in the group heading into the last round of games. Surprise package of the group are Chile who now find themselves top with the full six points. However up next for the Chileans are the Spanish who you feel may just have more than Chile can handle. Switzerland face all but eliminated Honduras in their final game with an outside chance of progressing. A win or draw from Chile combined with a win for the Swiss. Even a win for Spain and combined with a slightly bigger win for the Swiss will see them progress.
Group A: After the first round being nothing but ties it left the group wide open. Uruaguay were first up and they silenced the vuvuzelas with a decimating 3-0 win over the hosts meanwhile Mexico beat a disfunctional French team 2-0 which now leaves both Mexico and Uruaguay to face each other in the last game, both only needing a draw to ensure they progress. The French team will not be helped in their last game against South Africa with the news of unrest in the camp after the incredible sulk, Anelka was expelled from the squad. It is realistic that France will find themselves bottom of the group come Tuesday night. It is still not impossible for one of these bottom two teams to qualify but it would need a big win and one eye on the other game.
Group B: Argentina continue their run for the cup with a 4-1 domination of the South Koreans. Despite Peles criticism of Maradonnas coaching skills you cannot argue with two wins from two games. Next up are Greece and a draw or better will guarantee them top spot. Second spot however is still up for grabs with the Koreans and Greece tied with three points each.
Nigeria are yet to register a point as yet but a win against South Korea coupled with an Argentina win could see them progress.
Group C: England continue to dissapoint as they fail to score against Algeria in what should have been the easiest game in the group. England though could still qualify top if they beat Slovenia and the US ties with Algeria, loses or wins but by less goals than an England win. A win is needed and expected by the England fans who along with the French and Italians have been very dissapointed with their teams so far.
The USA will need to focus in their last game against Algeria and not allow the disputed call against Slovenia distract from their next game. Whether you think the US were robbed or not doesn't change the fact that they only have two points. Their fate is in their hands and a win against Algeria will see the Yanks advance to the knockout stages. That said don't rule out Slovenia who currently lead the group or Algeria who, if were to win against the USA could theoretically find themselves through also.
Group D: Ghana, the only African side in the tournament to register a win find themselves going into the third game top, above Germany. However it is that European team that they find themselves up against next and with Germany needing a win to make their progress certain it certainly will not be easy for Ghana to progress. A draw is all they need but with Serbia and even Australia not out of it I doubt the Germans will be content with just the one point.
Group E: Holland are through already and Cameroon have already packed their cases in this group. As those two teams face each other with Cameroon playing for pride it will be the other Group E game pitting the Danes against the Japanese which will be of most interest. A draw should see Japan through and obviously if there is a winner that team goes through. It will take Holland to lose against Cameroon before their first spot can be challenged.
Group F: Italy, the current holders could find themselves out of the tournament totally with a loss against Slovakia. New Zealand are the surprise package and could go through with a win even a draw with Paraguay IF the Italians draw AND their draw involves more goals than the Italian one. Paraguay would have to lose to the All Whites AND see an Italian win in order not to go through. In fact a draw is all they need to progress.
Group G: Brazil have another three points from the game against the Ivory coast and sit atop the group. However Brazil have been far from convincing so far, just scraping through against North Korea and letting the Ivorians bait them toward the end of the second game. The situation was not helped by manager Dunga who failed to substitute Kaka when he was on a yellow and the game won (later Kaka would get a second yellow and now misses the final game which could decide Group Winners). Meanwhile Portugal absolutly tore into the Koreans in their second game, walking away with a 7-0 victory. Both Portugal and Brazil are certain to qualify UNLESS Portugal lose to Brazil by a ton of goals and the Ivory Coast beat North Korea by a ton. Not impossible but I will assume the Koreans and Ivory Coast will meet in their last match with a pride win being all they leave with.
Group H: Spain got back on track with a win against Honduras to go second in the group heading into the last round of games. Surprise package of the group are Chile who now find themselves top with the full six points. However up next for the Chileans are the Spanish who you feel may just have more than Chile can handle. Switzerland face all but eliminated Honduras in their final game with an outside chance of progressing. A win or draw from Chile combined with a win for the Swiss. Even a win for Spain and combined with a slightly bigger win for the Swiss will see them progress.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
World Cup - Group Stage (part one)
So now every team has played one game in their Group what more do we know? What surprises have we seen so far and who have we changed our opinions about? Group by Group let me review.
Group A: The hosts did very well in their first game against potential group winners, Mexico. However I think this may be their highest point of the competition. Mexico on the other hand you sense that they were not up to full speed as yet and they will have to be for their next game against France.
Meanwhile France and Uruguay also got a draw and that probably benefits Uruguay more than France but with all four teams on a point each this group is still wide open.
Group B: Argentina did just enough against a tricky Nigerian side. The 'Albiceleste' didn't look like the winners of the competition I predict but you cannot argue with one game, one win. They will only gain pace as the competition hots up.
In the other game Greece looked like their country, broke! The South Koreans won 2-0 which puts them into the next game with Argentina with confidence and as group leaders....for now. As for Greece and Nigeria, the loser could very well be eliminated, and arrive home before their postcards!
Group C: The 'Big' game of the Group is over and finished with a 1-1 draw. England looked really sharp in the first five minutes going 1-0 up then sat back looking for the draw. England fans rejoice though as I have found stats!!! In 1966 England tied their first game and went on to win the whole thing. Also in 2006 the USA tied 1-1 with Italy in the group game and Italy went on to win the World Cup. The only difference was the Azzurri had Buffon in goal...we had a Baffoon!
Also a word of warning to the USA, after that game and celebrating a great draw you seemed to forget the other teams and lost both games and went home bottom of the group. Slovenia up next is a potential banana skin.
Algeria didn't disappoint by duly losing on their first game. Slovenia tops the group as we head into part two on Friday.
Group D: The first team to implode in this World Cup, Australia! So they played Germany and you expect to lose but in the opening game to lose 4-0, and Tim Cahill will not make qualifying easy, especially as your next game is against a tough Ghanaian side. Not commenting on Germany as I am English but I think their place in the last 16 is cemented even after just one game.
In the other game, Ghana beat Serbia with a penalty. Neither looked impressive but Ghana didn't look impressive with 3 points.
Group E: The surprise of this group so far is Japan. We know they are a good team but against Cameroon they kept a clean sheet and managed to steal the win. Their real test will come in the next game against other first game winners, Holland. The Dutch downed the Danes by a deuce! In the next game Denmark will face Cameroon, which has to be a must win for both nations.
Group F: After game one everything is still tight with each game ending in a 1-1 draw. Paraguay and New Zealand being the happiest of the four teams. Italy, the defending champions looked poor and out of ideas from the off. It is thought, however that the Italians may find their feet (and in a big way) against New Zealand who may have emptied their tank against Slovakia.
Group G: Ronaldo? Quiet in the first game. Although we did see two of his famous talents, a long hard shot that rattled the bar and the quadruple roll on the turf when an opponent breathes to hard on him. To be fair the Ivory Coast did well and need to be just as good or better in their next game against Brazil.
Brazil just managed to beat N.Korea 2-1 in a game that most expected to see Brazil win by multiple goals. However you not need to dominate qualifying, you just have to qualify and three points is a good start. Next up sees the Koreans take on Portugal and Brazil face off against the Ivory Coast.
Group H: Switzerland must be the happiest of the four teams after game one. They beat Spain with a somewhat scrappy goal through ex Manchester City player Gelson Fernandes. Scrappy goal or spectacular 40 yd shot, they all count and that would be the only goal as Spain start their challenge with a loss. It will hard to see them not qualify though with Honduras next up. Switzerland will face other game one winners, Chile. You have to feel Switzerland will go into the final game leading the group.
Group A: The hosts did very well in their first game against potential group winners, Mexico. However I think this may be their highest point of the competition. Mexico on the other hand you sense that they were not up to full speed as yet and they will have to be for their next game against France.
Meanwhile France and Uruguay also got a draw and that probably benefits Uruguay more than France but with all four teams on a point each this group is still wide open.
Group B: Argentina did just enough against a tricky Nigerian side. The 'Albiceleste' didn't look like the winners of the competition I predict but you cannot argue with one game, one win. They will only gain pace as the competition hots up.
In the other game Greece looked like their country, broke! The South Koreans won 2-0 which puts them into the next game with Argentina with confidence and as group leaders....for now. As for Greece and Nigeria, the loser could very well be eliminated, and arrive home before their postcards!
Group C: The 'Big' game of the Group is over and finished with a 1-1 draw. England looked really sharp in the first five minutes going 1-0 up then sat back looking for the draw. England fans rejoice though as I have found stats!!! In 1966 England tied their first game and went on to win the whole thing. Also in 2006 the USA tied 1-1 with Italy in the group game and Italy went on to win the World Cup. The only difference was the Azzurri had Buffon in goal...we had a Baffoon!
Also a word of warning to the USA, after that game and celebrating a great draw you seemed to forget the other teams and lost both games and went home bottom of the group. Slovenia up next is a potential banana skin.
Algeria didn't disappoint by duly losing on their first game. Slovenia tops the group as we head into part two on Friday.
Group D: The first team to implode in this World Cup, Australia! So they played Germany and you expect to lose but in the opening game to lose 4-0, and Tim Cahill will not make qualifying easy, especially as your next game is against a tough Ghanaian side. Not commenting on Germany as I am English but I think their place in the last 16 is cemented even after just one game.
In the other game, Ghana beat Serbia with a penalty. Neither looked impressive but Ghana didn't look impressive with 3 points.
Group E: The surprise of this group so far is Japan. We know they are a good team but against Cameroon they kept a clean sheet and managed to steal the win. Their real test will come in the next game against other first game winners, Holland. The Dutch downed the Danes by a deuce! In the next game Denmark will face Cameroon, which has to be a must win for both nations.
Group F: After game one everything is still tight with each game ending in a 1-1 draw. Paraguay and New Zealand being the happiest of the four teams. Italy, the defending champions looked poor and out of ideas from the off. It is thought, however that the Italians may find their feet (and in a big way) against New Zealand who may have emptied their tank against Slovakia.
Group G: Ronaldo? Quiet in the first game. Although we did see two of his famous talents, a long hard shot that rattled the bar and the quadruple roll on the turf when an opponent breathes to hard on him. To be fair the Ivory Coast did well and need to be just as good or better in their next game against Brazil.
Brazil just managed to beat N.Korea 2-1 in a game that most expected to see Brazil win by multiple goals. However you not need to dominate qualifying, you just have to qualify and three points is a good start. Next up sees the Koreans take on Portugal and Brazil face off against the Ivory Coast.
Group H: Switzerland must be the happiest of the four teams after game one. They beat Spain with a somewhat scrappy goal through ex Manchester City player Gelson Fernandes. Scrappy goal or spectacular 40 yd shot, they all count and that would be the only goal as Spain start their challenge with a loss. It will hard to see them not qualify though with Honduras next up. Switzerland will face other game one winners, Chile. You have to feel Switzerland will go into the final game leading the group.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
World Cup - Group H
Spain: Many peoples tip to go all the way this go around. However every World Cup and Euro Championships Spain are up there with the favorites to win the whole thing and yet tournament after tournament they consistently under perform, that is except for Euro 2008. In that tournament they won the whole thing so will be coming into this competition on a high. They certainly will get out of the group this go around and probably in the first position. Unfortunately though, despite the high of two years ago I do not think they will go any further than the second round.
Switzerland: Second place at least should be a certainty. After the opening game against Spain they play Chile and then Honduras, both should be 3 points for the Swiss and the two European teams will progress.
Chile: The opening game for both these and Honduras will be vital. Just as Spain and the Swiss will battle it out for the top two places so the Hondurans and Chileans will fight it out NOT to finish bottom.
Honduras: Probably have, on paper at least, the better quality players of the two (Chile). EPL's Palacios of Tottenham, Figueroa (Wigan) combined with Serie A's De Leon, Alvarez and Suazo will make their last game (against Switzerland) interesting, especially if they are with in touching distance of the Swiss. Honduras could potentially be the surprise package of this group.....but I doubt it.
My Predictions
1) Spain
2) Switzerland
3) Chile
4) Honduras
Switzerland: Second place at least should be a certainty. After the opening game against Spain they play Chile and then Honduras, both should be 3 points for the Swiss and the two European teams will progress.
Chile: The opening game for both these and Honduras will be vital. Just as Spain and the Swiss will battle it out for the top two places so the Hondurans and Chileans will fight it out NOT to finish bottom.
Honduras: Probably have, on paper at least, the better quality players of the two (Chile). EPL's Palacios of Tottenham, Figueroa (Wigan) combined with Serie A's De Leon, Alvarez and Suazo will make their last game (against Switzerland) interesting, especially if they are with in touching distance of the Swiss. Honduras could potentially be the surprise package of this group.....but I doubt it.
My Predictions
1) Spain
2) Switzerland
3) Chile
4) Honduras
World Cup - Group G
Brazil: Everyone that knows football know what Brazil bring to the table. They kick off this World Cup against the whipping boys of the group, North Korea. You would expect Brazil to win the first two games and possibly the only way they do not get maximum points from the group is if they have already qualified top and decide to rest a few players in the last group game against Portugal.
Portugal: Sure they have Ronaldo but they also have choked when the pressure notches up. I think they only have to worry about the opening game with the Ivory Coast as you assume Brazil will end top and North Korea will be bottom which leaves the winner of the opening game as a must win. With Drogba out for the first game you have to think the edge swings into the Portuguese camp....although you know how they are with pressure.
Ivory Coast: The elephants play their toughest two teams of the group in the first two games. IF they are still within touching distance of second place going into the final day then expect them to qualify.
North Korea: Not expected to do much and they will probably continue to fail to meet expectations! A good tournament for these guys would be to end up with a point and a single digit minus goal difference.
My Prediction:
1) Brazil
2) Portugal
3) Ivory Coast
4) N. Korea
Portugal: Sure they have Ronaldo but they also have choked when the pressure notches up. I think they only have to worry about the opening game with the Ivory Coast as you assume Brazil will end top and North Korea will be bottom which leaves the winner of the opening game as a must win. With Drogba out for the first game you have to think the edge swings into the Portuguese camp....although you know how they are with pressure.
Ivory Coast: The elephants play their toughest two teams of the group in the first two games. IF they are still within touching distance of second place going into the final day then expect them to qualify.
North Korea: Not expected to do much and they will probably continue to fail to meet expectations! A good tournament for these guys would be to end up with a point and a single digit minus goal difference.
My Prediction:
1) Brazil
2) Portugal
3) Ivory Coast
4) N. Korea
World Cup - Group F
Italy: Before a ball is even kicked the only spot in this group that Italy should get is first. Anything else not be good enough considering the quality of this team and the quality of the opposition. The Azzurri have a good back line and players up front that can decimate any of these teams in Group F. I can see this team getting all the way to the Semi Finals.
Paraguay: Usually these guys are the whipping boys but I think this time that honor will go to the team from New Zealand. In qualifying, Paraguay have already beaten Brazil 2-0 and recorded a win and draw against Argentina. Despite this I cannot see them progressing out of the group, although that could all rest on what they do against Slovakia in their second group game.
New Zealand: It has been 28 years since they were last at a World Cup. They will end up bottom of the group but keep your heads up and we will see you back in World Cup 2038!
Slovakia: I think this team will have what it takes to finish second in the group and push on. They will probably not make it past their first knockout opponents (most likely the Dutch) but again their game against Paraguay will be the determining factor. Slovakia will go into that game after playing New Zealand and Paraguay will go into having just faced Italy. If Slovakia are not ahead on points going into the game then something is seriously wrong in the world.
My Predictions:
1) Italy
2) Slovakia
3) Paraguay
4) New Zealand
Paraguay: Usually these guys are the whipping boys but I think this time that honor will go to the team from New Zealand. In qualifying, Paraguay have already beaten Brazil 2-0 and recorded a win and draw against Argentina. Despite this I cannot see them progressing out of the group, although that could all rest on what they do against Slovakia in their second group game.
New Zealand: It has been 28 years since they were last at a World Cup. They will end up bottom of the group but keep your heads up and we will see you back in World Cup 2038!
Slovakia: I think this team will have what it takes to finish second in the group and push on. They will probably not make it past their first knockout opponents (most likely the Dutch) but again their game against Paraguay will be the determining factor. Slovakia will go into that game after playing New Zealand and Paraguay will go into having just faced Italy. If Slovakia are not ahead on points going into the game then something is seriously wrong in the world.
My Predictions:
1) Italy
2) Slovakia
3) Paraguay
4) New Zealand
World Cup - Group E
Netherlands: This team tend to qualify out of the groups in spectacular style....then fall at the first hurdle in the knockout stages. Back in Euro 2008 they won all three of their group games to finish first only to fall to Russia 3-1 at the first knockout stage. Full of talent with Van Persie and Kuyt up front but do they really have what it takes to win the whole thing? No. However they will progress from the group stage AND, if they can avoid Italy in the second round, will progress to the Quarter Finals before being knocked out.
Denmark: The Danes open up against the Dutch and will struggle to get a win with their aging squad. Next up are Cameroon, a team that is a must win if Denmark are to progress because their final game is against Japan who just may have more than can be handled in the speed department. Three and out.
Japan: This team just may surprise a few people although their World Cup record isn't anything spectacular (W1 D1 L8) but although I do not believe they will qualify from the group I also do not think they will be out of contention going into the last game.
Cameroon: On paper the best African team in the competition as far as qualifying for World Cups go (6 from the past 8) and they also boast super striker Eto'o. Certainly this is a potentially good group as they kick off against Japan then take on Denmark in two games they could realistically win which means their passage to the Second Round could be assured before they take on Holland.
My Predictions:
1) Holland
2) Cameroon
3) Japan
4) Denmark
Denmark: The Danes open up against the Dutch and will struggle to get a win with their aging squad. Next up are Cameroon, a team that is a must win if Denmark are to progress because their final game is against Japan who just may have more than can be handled in the speed department. Three and out.
Japan: This team just may surprise a few people although their World Cup record isn't anything spectacular (W1 D1 L8) but although I do not believe they will qualify from the group I also do not think they will be out of contention going into the last game.
Cameroon: On paper the best African team in the competition as far as qualifying for World Cups go (6 from the past 8) and they also boast super striker Eto'o. Certainly this is a potentially good group as they kick off against Japan then take on Denmark in two games they could realistically win which means their passage to the Second Round could be assured before they take on Holland.
My Predictions:
1) Holland
2) Cameroon
3) Japan
4) Denmark
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
World Cup - Group D
Germany: The Germans have great players all throughout the team and have won the competition three times already. This year they have the balance of age and experience with youth and enthusiasm. Despite this I do not think the Germans will make easy work of the group stage. The first game is against the 'Socceroos' and I think the Aussies will go all out in this game. They will need Schweinsteiger, Ballack and Klose on their game throughout the group stage.
Australia: World Cup virgins in 2006 Australia go into this World Cup lacking the skill of a some of the bigger teams but what they lack in that department they make up for in athleticism and heart. They have a stout defence which makes them tough to score tons of goals on but also have the triple threat of attacking midfielders led by Evertons Tim Cahill which will certainly help them snatch the odd goal here and there. Don't forget the World Cup held in Germany four years ago it was only a converted penalty (won by a blatant dive) that sent the Italians through from the second round while the Aussies were sent home.
Serbia: Key players Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd), Dejan Stankovic (Inter) and Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund) will not help this team progress from the group stage. Sorry.
Ghana: The way that Ghana face their opponents certainly couldn't have been made better for them this go around. First off they play Serbia, a game that they should win and if they do will see them go into the second game above one or both of Germany and Australia. That puts them into a good position when they face their biggest game of the group, a must win game against Australia (probably their competition for second place). If they manage to win or draw this game then they can enjoy the game against Germany. However on the flip side if they go into the last day less than three points above Australia then I expect them to go home.
My Predictions:
1) Germany
2) Ghana
3) Australia
4) Serbia
Australia: World Cup virgins in 2006 Australia go into this World Cup lacking the skill of a some of the bigger teams but what they lack in that department they make up for in athleticism and heart. They have a stout defence which makes them tough to score tons of goals on but also have the triple threat of attacking midfielders led by Evertons Tim Cahill which will certainly help them snatch the odd goal here and there. Don't forget the World Cup held in Germany four years ago it was only a converted penalty (won by a blatant dive) that sent the Italians through from the second round while the Aussies were sent home.
Serbia: Key players Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd), Dejan Stankovic (Inter) and Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund) will not help this team progress from the group stage. Sorry.
Ghana: The way that Ghana face their opponents certainly couldn't have been made better for them this go around. First off they play Serbia, a game that they should win and if they do will see them go into the second game above one or both of Germany and Australia. That puts them into a good position when they face their biggest game of the group, a must win game against Australia (probably their competition for second place). If they manage to win or draw this game then they can enjoy the game against Germany. However on the flip side if they go into the last day less than three points above Australia then I expect them to go home.
My Predictions:
1) Germany
2) Ghana
3) Australia
4) Serbia
World Cup - Group C
England: The inventors of the game many years ago and winners in the 1966 World Cup held in England. Every World Cup the expectations are high and every World Cup expectations are left unrealised, usually from a penalty spot. This time around however the stars seem to be aligned. Th fact that the competition is being held in South Africa, with the temperature mild compared to previous World Cups means that maybe the advantage lays with European teams rather than the South Americans. England kick of against the USA and it is not so much of a must win as a mustn't lose. After this game England face the lesser teams of Algeria and Slovenia, teams that realistically England should be winning.
USA: The only country in the competition that doesn't play the sport. Sure they have the MLS (Might Looklike Soccer) but that is nothing when stacked up against the South American and European leagues. However a lot of the National team do ply their trade in the European leagues, with 'Gooch' playing for Milan, Dempsey reaching the UEFA Cup final with Fulham and Landon Donovan joining up with goalkeeper Howard at Everton for a loan spell. A draw for the USA against England would sent the Yank fans home happier with their next games being against Slovenia and Algeria. A loss against England will not be devastating but certainly not the best start.
Algeria: The whipping boys of the group potentially. It will be a good outing for them if they go into the last game against the USA still with a chance to qualify. Now that said they do have European based players but as a team I still feel they lack the quality needed. Bougherra (nicknamed Boughie woogie by his club teams fans) plys his trade for the blue of Glasgow. Their two wingers Meghni and Ziani play for Lazio and Wolfsburg respectively.
Slovenia: If the Slovenians can beat Algeria in their opening game then it sets up a tasty match against the USA (who would just have come off a game against England). The winner of that game between Slovenia and the USA will do much, I think, in determining the second place team in the group.
My Predictions:
1) England
2) USA
3) Slovenia
4) Algeria
USA: The only country in the competition that doesn't play the sport. Sure they have the MLS (Might Looklike Soccer) but that is nothing when stacked up against the South American and European leagues. However a lot of the National team do ply their trade in the European leagues, with 'Gooch' playing for Milan, Dempsey reaching the UEFA Cup final with Fulham and Landon Donovan joining up with goalkeeper Howard at Everton for a loan spell. A draw for the USA against England would sent the Yank fans home happier with their next games being against Slovenia and Algeria. A loss against England will not be devastating but certainly not the best start.
Algeria: The whipping boys of the group potentially. It will be a good outing for them if they go into the last game against the USA still with a chance to qualify. Now that said they do have European based players but as a team I still feel they lack the quality needed. Bougherra (nicknamed Boughie woogie by his club teams fans) plys his trade for the blue of Glasgow. Their two wingers Meghni and Ziani play for Lazio and Wolfsburg respectively.
Slovenia: If the Slovenians can beat Algeria in their opening game then it sets up a tasty match against the USA (who would just have come off a game against England). The winner of that game between Slovenia and the USA will do much, I think, in determining the second place team in the group.
My Predictions:
1) England
2) USA
3) Slovenia
4) Algeria
World Cup - Group B
Argentina: One of the tournament favorites heading into the World Cup. It will be interesting to see how Maradona handles the opening game, against a reasonably tough Nigerian side. A win will be expected but a draw or a loss will see them go into the South Korean game under unwanted pressure. Messi is indeed the wonder boy of the team and the burden of lifting the team when the pressure is on will undoubtedly be on his shoulders, and this guy can deliver in an instant.
Nigeria: There is no reason on paper why this team cannot progress from the Group. Barring the opening game against Argentina the remaining two games are certainly winnable, whether they do or not is a different story.
South Korea: In 2002 this team surprised the Footballing nation. In 2010 this will not be the case and I think this team will probably be three and out.
Greece: In my opinion it will be the game against Nigeria that will be the most important for this Greek team. A win I think will see them claim second place in the Group. A loss however will probably see them hitch a ride back to their country.
Predicted Results:
1) Argentina
2) Greece
3) Nigeria
4) S. Korea
Nigeria: There is no reason on paper why this team cannot progress from the Group. Barring the opening game against Argentina the remaining two games are certainly winnable, whether they do or not is a different story.
South Korea: In 2002 this team surprised the Footballing nation. In 2010 this will not be the case and I think this team will probably be three and out.
Greece: In my opinion it will be the game against Nigeria that will be the most important for this Greek team. A win I think will see them claim second place in the Group. A loss however will probably see them hitch a ride back to their country.
Predicted Results:
1) Argentina
2) Greece
3) Nigeria
4) S. Korea
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
World Cup - Group A
South Africa: They kick off their World Cup against arguably the toughest team in their group, Mexico. If they can get a draw here (or a very surprise win) then they will go into their second game against Uraguay in a very buoyant mood. However I think they will have the honor of being the first host nation to fail to advance from the group stage. That's exactly how I see that going.
Mexico: With France being hounded from home and their lead up friendlies not yielding the best results , it is fair to say that Mexico should be looked on as the odds on group winners. They can kick off their World Cup against the hosts, and 'on paper' weaker teams in their group. However many teams stutter in the first game and the possibility of an upset has to be considered, although not to seriously. After the hosts come France, in a game which would possibly decide positions 1 and 2 in Group A.
Uraguay: Do not underestimate these guys, especially with their first game being against the very wobbly French team. Senegal beat the French in the opening game of the 2002 World Cup and the French media and politicans back home are placing pressure on the French manager. This game is possibly the most important for Uraguay if they wish to procede. A win against the French in this game means game 2 Uraguay will face South Africa while the French face Mexico.
France: The downside to the French side is the fact they are all French! The World Cup winning team of 1998 has now long gone into TV/Radio and the new team should be winning games, but it doesn't. Watch out for the exodus of National Team Managers after (and throughout) the World Cup with Raymond possibly being one of the first.
My Predictions
1) Mexico
2) France
3) Uraguay
4) South A
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