- A - It will be interesting to see how Uruguay and Mexico approach their match. A draw and they both are through. However, Mexico stands in 2nd place based on goal differential. I highly doubt they would want to stay in 2nd and have the honor of playing against Argentina in the first round of the knockout stage. France and South Africa still have a shot at advancing if one can win and make up some goal differential. I think South Africa will be up for probably their last match, but who knows if France will even show up. Literally, will France even show up?
- B - I am taking it for granted that Argentina will finish first. They just need a draw vs Greece to maintain top spot. They probably stay 1st with a loss to Greece based on goal differential. South Korea will want to beat Nigeria by a few goals to secure 2nd. If all matches are a draw, South Korea would go through as 2nd. As long as Greece does not go through, I am fairly happy here.
- C - This group is completely wide open. US need a win vs Algeria to go through. England need a win vs Slovenia to go through. Most people thought these would be no problems two weeks ago, but Algeria and Slovenia are well organized sides. More on group C tomorrow.
- D - This group is completely wide open. Germany really need to beat Ghana to go through as 1st due to goal differential. Serbia should beat Australia, but the Socceroos could come out and post a draw or victory.
- E - Netherlands are through to the knockout stage and take on Cameroon. I think some Dutch stars will be rested, but they have plenty of depth and may want to get Arjen Robben on the pitch for a run out. Japan and Denmark face off for 2nd place with Japan holding the edge on goal differential.
- F - This group is completely wide open. The surprising All Whites from New Zealand have taken points off of Slovakia and Italy. Can they do the same vs Paraguay? I had high hopes for Slovakia, but they have looked pretty bad so far. Will the slow starting Italians figure their game out and get a victory to sneak through?
- G - Brazil vs Portugal is really all that matters. I can see Brazil resting some key players; however, will Portugal? Portugal could sense an opportunity against a weakened Brazil and take the chances to top the group to potentially avoid Spain in the 1st round of the knockout stage.
- H - Spain vs Chile could well be the most entertaining match of the group stage. Chile really likes to attack with a 3-3-1-3 formation which could really play into Spain's hands and backfire for Chile. Chile really need to be careful because if Switzerland beat Honduras by 2 goals and Chile lose to Spain, Switzerland would go through.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Last matches of group stage
Every team has now played twice and there are some interesting match-ups to come:
Sunday, June 20, 2010
French Disgrace
During the Italy v New Zealand match, it was reported that the French team has refused to train ahead of their final match due to an altercation at the practice facility. What a disgrace from a talented squad? Anelka, Gourcuff, Ribery, Evra, Malouda, Diaby, Clichy & Lloris to name a few. Again, very talented on paper; however, they obviously are missing a leader to get them play together. I believe that without the leadership of Zidane in 2006, France would not have been in the final. I really think he was the de facto manager rather than Domenech.
It has been known for a while that Domenech is not a great manager, but French Football Federation decided to stick with him after a dismal qualification requiring a disputed playoff victory over Ireland and a bad EURO 2008. Then, a month or so prior to the World Cup the Federation decided to announce that the World Cup would be Domenech's last stint with Les Bleus and proceeded to name the up and coming Laurent Blanc as manager in waiting. I really think this completely made the already fragile French team completely crumble.
It has been known for a while that Domenech is not a great manager, but French Football Federation decided to stick with him after a dismal qualification requiring a disputed playoff victory over Ireland and a bad EURO 2008. Then, a month or so prior to the World Cup the Federation decided to announce that the World Cup would be Domenech's last stint with Les Bleus and proceeded to name the up and coming Laurent Blanc as manager in waiting. I really think this completely made the already fragile French team completely crumble.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Special 1 TV (World Cup EP02 EXTENDED VERSION) simon,cheryl,& Sven the pimp
Some more humor as the Special 1 has evidence of Sven "pimping" himself out for the Liverpool job. The under utilization of Rooney his pretty funny too as they make fun of England's performance vs the US. I am sorry, but the funniest has to Shaun Wright-Phillips' tiny door!
SPECIAL 1 TV (world cup blog 4) Wayne's Anger Management.
After today's awful refereeing mistake, we all need a little humor. Watch Capello test Wayne's temper threshold and completely losing it when "You'll Never Walk Alone" is sung. If you do not understand this, Google - Liverpool You'll Never Walk Alone. I am not a LUFC supporter, but hearing them sing as one voice on a European night is wonderful!
Talking Points
We now have a major talking point in the World Cup. The refs in the the two early matches today have been awful. In the Germany - Serbia match, it seemed that every foul the Spanish ref called he felt it necessary to give out a yellow card. This is the World Cup, not La Liga. In doing so, he changed the outcome of the game when he gave Klose his second yellow card. At most, Klose maybe deserved one yellow for accumulation of fouls.
Then, the US "3rd goal" was nowhere close to being offside or even a foul whatever the call was. I could not tell since I was in a group setting and could not really hear the commentary. One, I do not think Bradley was offside to begin with and two, Bradley did not make the play on the ball so he was effectively not in an offside position. That was a bad call, but the US has got to ensure they are not in that position to begin with. The US has to do a better job of playing defense in the first 15 minutes. You cannot give up space in the center of midfield.
I will also admit that I am wrong on Torres. I really thought he would bring something, but his 1st half was awful.
Then, the US "3rd goal" was nowhere close to being offside or even a foul whatever the call was. I could not tell since I was in a group setting and could not really hear the commentary. One, I do not think Bradley was offside to begin with and two, Bradley did not make the play on the ball so he was effectively not in an offside position. That was a bad call, but the US has got to ensure they are not in that position to begin with. The US has to do a better job of playing defense in the first 15 minutes. You cannot give up space in the center of midfield.
I will also admit that I am wrong on Torres. I really thought he would bring something, but his 1st half was awful.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
US - Slovenia
This is a big match. Lose and the US is all but out. Win and a very good chance of advancing. Draw and it will be nailbiting time.
Typically, the US has struggled against well organized teams or Eastern European teams. Slovenia is both. Slovenia seems to be content sitting back on defense and waiting for the counter. The US has real trouble creating opportunities against these type of teams, which is why I think we will see Jose Francisco Torres instead of Ricardo Clark in central midfield. Torres will add some creativity to break down the Slovenians.
The US will have to be patient and not try too hard to push forward because once you do, you open yourself up to a counter attack. The US has shown in the tune up matches that the defense is quite weak against the counter attack and will need to be more disciplined.
I would think the only other question for the US lineup is who partners Jozy up top. Will Coach Bradley go with speed in Findley or the in form finishers of Gomez or Buddle? I am partial to Gomez, but I think Slovenia is not comfortable defending the speed that Findley brings and holes may open up.
It looks like Slovenia looks to Robert Koren to create their attack. I would envision Michael Bradley being tasked to shadow him and not give him any space to work in.
I will be watching the match at Dantanna's in the CNN Center. Hope to see you there!
GO YANKS! I say the US win 2-1.
Typically, the US has struggled against well organized teams or Eastern European teams. Slovenia is both. Slovenia seems to be content sitting back on defense and waiting for the counter. The US has real trouble creating opportunities against these type of teams, which is why I think we will see Jose Francisco Torres instead of Ricardo Clark in central midfield. Torres will add some creativity to break down the Slovenians.
The US will have to be patient and not try too hard to push forward because once you do, you open yourself up to a counter attack. The US has shown in the tune up matches that the defense is quite weak against the counter attack and will need to be more disciplined.
I would think the only other question for the US lineup is who partners Jozy up top. Will Coach Bradley go with speed in Findley or the in form finishers of Gomez or Buddle? I am partial to Gomez, but I think Slovenia is not comfortable defending the speed that Findley brings and holes may open up.
It looks like Slovenia looks to Robert Koren to create their attack. I would envision Michael Bradley being tasked to shadow him and not give him any space to work in.
I will be watching the match at Dantanna's in the CNN Center. Hope to see you there!
GO YANKS! I say the US win 2-1.
Golden Boot
Through the first week of the tournament, our Golden Boot selections have been pretty poor. The only selection of ours to score has been Team Bradberry's selection of Klose. Messi, Robinho & Villa have come very close and Messi should have a goal or two if not for the unbelievable display that the Nigerian keeper made on Saturday.
Those that selected Torres had to be a little worried not to see him start. I doubt this will be the case for long since Spain looked better when Torres came on. To me, there is no reason Spain needs both Alonso and Busquets on the field at the same time if they are not playing an attacking squad.
We will see if any can get going in the next few days!
Those that selected Torres had to be a little worried not to see him start. I doubt this will be the case for long since Spain looked better when Torres came on. To me, there is no reason Spain needs both Alonso and Busquets on the field at the same time if they are not playing an attacking squad.
We will see if any can get going in the next few days!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Stage 1 Matches
All teams have completed their first match. Only 4 teams have scored more than 1 goal - South Korea, Germany, Netherlands, Brazil - and only Germany more than 2. It has been a fairly tentative 1st stage of group play so far with teams playing not to lose rather than to win.
This sets up key matches for the 2nd stage in order to get an upper hand on who goes through. All Group A and F matches, Slovenia v USA, and Ivory Coast v Brazil to name a few.
The 12 people that did not select Spain are looking smart right about now. Who would have thought that anyone in Group H would have taken Spain? Now, it could get real interesting because if Spain were to finish 2nd in their group and Brazil were to finish 1st in their group, they would meet up in the 1st round of the knockout stage. Switzerland just need a win and draw to win the group. Remember, Switzerland did not give up a goal in the last World Cup and only lost in penalties of the knockout stage; however, I think Chile will really challenge their back line.
This sets up key matches for the 2nd stage in order to get an upper hand on who goes through. All Group A and F matches, Slovenia v USA, and Ivory Coast v Brazil to name a few.
The 12 people that did not select Spain are looking smart right about now. Who would have thought that anyone in Group H would have taken Spain? Now, it could get real interesting because if Spain were to finish 2nd in their group and Brazil were to finish 1st in their group, they would meet up in the 1st round of the knockout stage. Switzerland just need a win and draw to win the group. Remember, Switzerland did not give up a goal in the last World Cup and only lost in penalties of the knockout stage; however, I think Chile will really challenge their back line.
Portugal - Ivory Coast
I thought the Ivory Coast had the better chances throughout the match, but this match-up was about two teams that played not to lose rather than to win. I do not really get this since now each team's progression really depends on goal differentials in the 2 remaining matches vs Brazil and North Korea. I was really perplexed by Ivory Coast in the last 30 seconds. Everyone knew as Ivory Coast lined up for a late corner kick that more or less it would be the last kick of the match. However, Ivory Coast went with a short corner and the final whistle blew. Really, not even trying to score. I mean why not take a chance on someone rising up for a headed goal and get a late victory when you know that even if Portugal were to win the ball there was not enough time to get down and score a goal.
Other than Ronaldo's blast from 30-35 yards in the 1st half off the post, I do not recall Portugal looking particularly dangerous. Of course, the Portuguese manager, Carlos Queiroz, has found something else to publicly lament other than his squad's abject performance. Queiroz is questioning FIFA's decision to allow Didier Drogba to play with a plaster cast even though all parties involved cleared Drogba's cast on Monday. I guess now Queiroz should be speaking for the Portuguese FA.
I do not know why I am surprised by this because Queiroz has learned under Sir Alex Ferguson. Queiroz worked as Sir Alex's #2 for many years before getting a job of his own. Do not get me wrong, I think Sir Alex is the greatest manager of our generation, but anytime Manchester United put up a bad performance it is more often than not due to the referee rather than his squad (i.e., see earlier this year when Sir Alex questioned the fitness of Alan Wiley even though stats show that Wiley covered more ground that day than any player).
Other than Ronaldo's blast from 30-35 yards in the 1st half off the post, I do not recall Portugal looking particularly dangerous. Of course, the Portuguese manager, Carlos Queiroz, has found something else to publicly lament other than his squad's abject performance. Queiroz is questioning FIFA's decision to allow Didier Drogba to play with a plaster cast even though all parties involved cleared Drogba's cast on Monday. I guess now Queiroz should be speaking for the Portuguese FA.
I do not know why I am surprised by this because Queiroz has learned under Sir Alex Ferguson. Queiroz worked as Sir Alex's #2 for many years before getting a job of his own. Do not get me wrong, I think Sir Alex is the greatest manager of our generation, but anytime Manchester United put up a bad performance it is more often than not due to the referee rather than his squad (i.e., see earlier this year when Sir Alex questioned the fitness of Alan Wiley even though stats show that Wiley covered more ground that day than any player).
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Slovakia selections
The six of us, including me, that selected Slovakia are really dreading the last 30 seconds of their match with New Zealand today. Slovakia had a slew of chances throughout the match but could only find 1 goal. In the last minute of extra time, Slovakia was trying to kill off the match with possession and booting the ball up the field. New Zealand was able to get the ball down field to Shane Smeltz who crossed the ball to Winston Reid who got his head on it and put the ball in the bottom corner. That is 6 points given up right there.
Of course, there are plenty of other selections that gave up similar points as well and this one just hits closer to home. Here are some expamples that I can recall:
Of course, there are plenty of other selections that gave up similar points as well and this one just hits closer to home. Here are some expamples that I can recall:
- Diego Forlan's late miss for Uruguay against France that could have secured a victory.
- Robert Green's howler to let US get a draw.
- Serbia's Zdravko Kuzmanovic late needless handball to give Ghana a late penalty for the victory.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sunday
Ok, is Group C going to be the group of keeper errors? First, England's Robert Green gifts the US a goal on Saturday for the draw. Then, Algeria's Faouzi Chaouchi gifts Slovenia the winning goal on Sunday.
I tried to watch the Slovenia v Algeria match on Sunday, but it was tough because there was just no flow at all. Algeria seemed to be really defensive and as was pointed out at the half were essentially playing with 3 center backs. That makes them really tough to break down unless you have some good passers (i.e., Spain).
I did not get much of a takeaway on Slovenia other than they did not particularly seem as comfortable on the ball as a top side would, but the US will need to watch out for Robert Koren. It seems like Slovenia really looks to him to create their attacking movements. I think if we keep pressure on their midfield it could lead to some good chances.
I thought the Group D matches were good. Ghana v Serbia had many chances for a 1-0 match. Both teams probably should have scored at least 2 each. Man, I really wish Essien could have been there to lead the Black Stars, but they were still impressive without him. Serbia seemed to do better with a man down and the keeper, Richard Kingson, had to make a great save to keep the score at 0-0 before Ghana went on to get a late penalty.
Germany completely dominated Australia, especially after Australia's emotional leader, Tim Cahill, was sent off for what I thought was a harsh straight red card. Bastian Schweinsteiger has even come out and said the tackle was not worthy of a red card.
I tried to watch the Slovenia v Algeria match on Sunday, but it was tough because there was just no flow at all. Algeria seemed to be really defensive and as was pointed out at the half were essentially playing with 3 center backs. That makes them really tough to break down unless you have some good passers (i.e., Spain).
I did not get much of a takeaway on Slovenia other than they did not particularly seem as comfortable on the ball as a top side would, but the US will need to watch out for Robert Koren. It seems like Slovenia really looks to him to create their attacking movements. I think if we keep pressure on their midfield it could lead to some good chances.
I thought the Group D matches were good. Ghana v Serbia had many chances for a 1-0 match. Both teams probably should have scored at least 2 each. Man, I really wish Essien could have been there to lead the Black Stars, but they were still impressive without him. Serbia seemed to do better with a man down and the keeper, Richard Kingson, had to make a great save to keep the score at 0-0 before Ghana went on to get a late penalty.
Germany completely dominated Australia, especially after Australia's emotional leader, Tim Cahill, was sent off for what I thought was a harsh straight red card. Bastian Schweinsteiger has even come out and said the tackle was not worthy of a red card.
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