In the recently concluded 2006 FIFA World Cup, England could not even reach the semifinals and they lost out on a penalty shoot out. Portugal were the team not fancied to go to the last four. Italy went on to win the Cup and France went to the finals when every one expected not much from the likes of Zidane. The hosts Germany also managed to reach the last four when they were not favoured to do so. England, on the other hand, had all the stars and the talent one could ask for but still returned home with no credit. It is not everyday that a football team boasts of the talents like Beckham, Rooney, Gerrard, Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole. Even the bench consisted of precociously talented youngsters like Theo Walcott. So what went wrong?
The English struggled against their opponents before caving against Portugal. Now there are excuses galore. First, the target is their Swedish coach Sven Goran Eriksson. The second reason for the defeat is Christiano Ronaldo who caused Rooney to receive the red card. The third reason is the alleged distractions posed by the wives and girlfriends of the English players, called ‘WAG’ by the English press.
The Indian cricket team went to the Caribbean with a lot of hope. The team of Rahul Dravid was expected to beat the West Indies in both the tests and the one-dayers. The Indians won the first one-dayer and then lost the remaining four. The reversal in fortune was hard to explain considering the success in Pakistan and then in India. England and Sri Lanka were trashed. The Indians won the test series 1-0 after a lot of difficulty. Even if there was no Tendulkar in the team, talent was never scarce for the Indians. But most of the players came a cropper. The coach of the Indian team got flak as was with the selectors. So what went wrong?
There was a lot of controversy when a Swede was appointed as the coach of the English football team. There were similar noises when John Wright was appointed the coach of the Indian cricket team. Former greats were appalled by the decisions. The parallels do not end here. The decisions of the respective coaches have received widespread criticism. The pay packets given to the ‘foreigners’ have been the subject of many a discussion.
Coming to the public, a lot of attention and time is given in the following of the lifestyles of the players. The private lives of the players interest most followers of the game. The players are placed highly even if their success is moderate and every failure is treated as a national calamity. If Rooney gets so much attention even when he is relatively new to the international football scene, the birthday of Dhoni is an event to cover for most of the television news channels.
India won only one world cup in 1983 which seems ages ago and England won their only world cup in 1966. But every time the teams step onto the field, there is anticipation which time and again is not fulfilled.
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Monday, July 10, 2006
THE AZZURI TRIUMPH
The final of the world cup 2006 went all the way to a shoot out as more than 120 minutes tied the score at one goal each to Italy and France. The French drew first blood through a penalty scored by Zidane. It took a header from Matterazzi to equalize for the Azzuri.
For a greater part of the stipulated 90 minutes, the Italians enjoyed possession of the ball but could not add to the score. The French also could not score a second goal. In the extra time, the French tried everything but to no avail. Buffon made a fine stop preventing a powerful header from Zidane going into the net.
The final was the last international match for Zidane and it could not have ended in a more bizarre fashion. The captain of France was red carded for head butting an opponent in the extra time.
In the tiebreaker, neither Barthez nor Buffon could do anything heroic. David Trezeguet’s shot rattled the crossbar but the ball bounced outside the line. Earlier in the 6th minute, Zidane was lucky to find the ball bouncing inside the line after hitting the crossbar. Grosso scored the decisive penalty to make it five from five for the Italians.
The Italians have won the world cup for the first time since 1982. That triumph was also preceded by match fixing allegations as is the case now.
For a greater part of the stipulated 90 minutes, the Italians enjoyed possession of the ball but could not add to the score. The French also could not score a second goal. In the extra time, the French tried everything but to no avail. Buffon made a fine stop preventing a powerful header from Zidane going into the net.
The final was the last international match for Zidane and it could not have ended in a more bizarre fashion. The captain of France was red carded for head butting an opponent in the extra time.
In the tiebreaker, neither Barthez nor Buffon could do anything heroic. David Trezeguet’s shot rattled the crossbar but the ball bounced outside the line. Earlier in the 6th minute, Zidane was lucky to find the ball bouncing inside the line after hitting the crossbar. Grosso scored the decisive penalty to make it five from five for the Italians.
The Italians have won the world cup for the first time since 1982. That triumph was also preceded by match fixing allegations as is the case now.
FOUR IN A ROW FOR FEDERER
As expected, Roger Federer won his fourth Wimbledon in a row with a four set win over Nadal. Nadal took time to warm up to the occasion while Federer was in no mood to give anything to his opponent. The world number 1 from Switzerland won the first set 6-0 and few would have given Nadal any chance to come back into the match. Proving that he is not like other clay court specialists, Nadal took the next two sets to tiebreaks, winning the third and taking the match to a fourth set.
History was very much against Nadal. It was in 1927 that Henri Cochet- a part of the legendary ‘Four Musketeers from France’ won the trophy after losing the first two sets. We have to go even further into the past to find a player winning after losing the first set 6-0.
Federer won the fourth set and with it the championship. Federer failed to match the 1976 achievement of Bjorn Borg when the Swede won the event without dropping a set. However, with this win, Federer has now joined Borg and Sampras in winning four finals in a row.
Both Federer and Nadal played good tennis but there is every indication that grass court tennis is a dying art.
History was very much against Nadal. It was in 1927 that Henri Cochet- a part of the legendary ‘Four Musketeers from France’ won the trophy after losing the first two sets. We have to go even further into the past to find a player winning after losing the first set 6-0.
Federer won the fourth set and with it the championship. Federer failed to match the 1976 achievement of Bjorn Borg when the Swede won the event without dropping a set. However, with this win, Federer has now joined Borg and Sampras in winning four finals in a row.
Both Federer and Nadal played good tennis but there is every indication that grass court tennis is a dying art.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
WIMBLEDON-FEDERER IS THE FAVOURITE
With the cricket and football, time could not be devoted to tennis and Wimbledon. The final of the men takes place tomorrow and the winner in the women’s section has already been crowned.
Amelie Mauresmo has become the winner of the famous Rosewater Dish beating the favourite Justine Henin-Hardenne. In the men’s side, the final features the two top seeds Roger Federer and Raphael Nadal.
Federer was tipped from the start to reach his fourth consecutive final and Nadal has reached the final for the first time. The Spaniard’s progress this far has been a surprise. It also points to a rather grim situation for grass tennis. There is a genuine dearth of serve and volley type of tennis that people of my generation have been accustomed to. To be fair, Federer is also not in the mould of Pete Sampras, Stefan Edberg or Boris Becker. But he is a great talent and that is something that makes me wonder about the reason for the failure to win the French Open.
Anyway, Federer is the favourite to win the event and stamp his authority on the famed centre court on Sunday. The win would make Federer the first man since Bjorn Borg to win four successive finals.
Friday, July 07, 2006
BATTLE OF THE BLUES
The finals of the 2006 world cup will feature France and Italy. No one would have anticipated this clash even 15 days ago. Both the teams have rewritten the formbook. Zidane and the others of the Les Bleus started the tournament in a poor fashion, securing a draw with Switzerland. But as the tournament advanced to the knock out stages, the French conquest gathered the momentum and Spain was beaten decisively. Then in the quarterfinals, it was the turn of Brazil to suffer a loss.
The Italians have always played scrappy football where a goal decided the issue. The match against Australia went the full distance before a doubtful penalty settled the issue in favour of the Azzuri. However, in the subsequent matches, the Italians displayed attacking football, securing a place in the finals. The Italians are in the finals after a gap of 12 years. Interestingly, they also reached the finals in 1982 which was also 12 years from 1994.
The finals shall be interesting with Zidane and company making a final attempt at glory while the Italians would be keen to win the cup and redeem themselves following the match fixing allegations at the club level. Can they repeat the feat of 1982 when they won the cup in Spain, which also was preceded by allegations of match fixing?
The Italians have always played scrappy football where a goal decided the issue. The match against Australia went the full distance before a doubtful penalty settled the issue in favour of the Azzuri. However, in the subsequent matches, the Italians displayed attacking football, securing a place in the finals. The Italians are in the finals after a gap of 12 years. Interestingly, they also reached the finals in 1982 which was also 12 years from 1994.
The finals shall be interesting with Zidane and company making a final attempt at glory while the Italians would be keen to win the cup and redeem themselves following the match fixing allegations at the club level. Can they repeat the feat of 1982 when they won the cup in Spain, which also was preceded by allegations of match fixing?
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
A GOOD MATCH IN PROSPECT
The first semifinals of the 2006 world cup features the hosts Germany and Italy. The Germans do not have happy memories of past encounters with the Azzuri in the past. In a warm-up encounter before the world cup saw the Italians come up victors with a 4-1 scoreline.
It was a very rare sight to see the Italians win their match against Ukraine with a score of 3-0. Most of the times, the Italians find it difficult to score goals. With the strong defence and the newfound confidence, the Italians can embarrass Ballack and company.
The Germans have played good football except in the match against Argentina. The likes of Podolsky and Klose can score goals with Ballack controlling the midfield. The suspension of Frings can cause some problem, though.
The match promises to be a close encounter.
It was a very rare sight to see the Italians win their match against Ukraine with a score of 3-0. Most of the times, the Italians find it difficult to score goals. With the strong defence and the newfound confidence, the Italians can embarrass Ballack and company.
The Germans have played good football except in the match against Argentina. The likes of Podolsky and Klose can score goals with Ballack controlling the midfield. The suspension of Frings can cause some problem, though.
The match promises to be a close encounter.
GREATEST COMMON FACTOR
GREATEST COMMON FACTOR
In recent times, India has won a few tests abroad at places like Jamaica, Headingley, Adelaide and Rawalpindi. All these wins have a common factor in the batting of Rahul Dravid. The two half centuries at Jamaica have only added to the exploits of Dravid.
Early in his career, Dravid was considered as a solid player but not recognized for his match winning qualities. The decline of Sachin has provided the space and opportunity for Dravid to stamp his class and authority.
Gone are the days when Rahul Dravid was not able to get into the one-day side. His batting was considered too slow for the liking of the spectators and the selectors. But he has reinvented himself and is one of the more consistent of the Indian batsmen. The run of success that India enjoyed leading upto the finals of the cricket world cup in 2003 was not just due to the batting but also due to the wicketkeeping of Dravid. The masterstroke of making the Karnataka batsman don the big gloves gave the team the much needed flexibility.
It is too early to talk about the captaincy skills of Dravid. The win at Jamaica has to be seen in the light of the defeats in Pakistan and in Mumbai.
In recent times, India has won a few tests abroad at places like Jamaica, Headingley, Adelaide and Rawalpindi. All these wins have a common factor in the batting of Rahul Dravid. The two half centuries at Jamaica have only added to the exploits of Dravid.
Early in his career, Dravid was considered as a solid player but not recognized for his match winning qualities. The decline of Sachin has provided the space and opportunity for Dravid to stamp his class and authority.
Gone are the days when Rahul Dravid was not able to get into the one-day side. His batting was considered too slow for the liking of the spectators and the selectors. But he has reinvented himself and is one of the more consistent of the Indian batsmen. The run of success that India enjoyed leading upto the finals of the cricket world cup in 2003 was not just due to the batting but also due to the wicketkeeping of Dravid. The masterstroke of making the Karnataka batsman don the big gloves gave the team the much needed flexibility.
It is too early to talk about the captaincy skills of Dravid. The win at Jamaica has to be seen in the light of the defeats in Pakistan and in Mumbai.
Friday, June 30, 2006
JAMAICA
The Indians and the West Indies battle it out one last time for the elusive win the four match test series. The teams have shown a rather defensive attitude notwithstanding the soundbites from the rival camps.
There is again a lot of speculation about the state of the pitch at Sabina Park. Once upon a time, batsmen of the rival teams feared to walk on to the pitch. This was more to do with the line-up of fast bowlers with the maroon caps. The relaying of the pitch and the decline of the fast bowlers of the West Indies has the potential of making this match a dull and high scoring affair.
The Indians have squandered a great opportunity to win an overseas series since 1986. However, this a chance that has to be taken. The Indian cricket fans do not have great memories of Sabina Park for here it was Clive Lloyd unleashed Michael Holding and company whereby most of the Indian batsmen go hit and the innings was declared.
It is time for the Greg Chappell and Rahul Dravid combination to get a win. With the Chairman of selectors Kiran More in Jamaica, there is no shortage of guidance and inspiration for the Indians !
A CRACKER OF A MATCH
The quarterfinals of the 2006 FIFA world cup will open with a bang with the match featuring Germany and Argentina. The two teams have put up an impressive display so far in the tournament. The Germans have fielded a team that is the best since 1990. The same goes for the Argentines.
Both sides have wonderful playmakers in Ballack, Riquelme and Messi. Saviola and Crespo have Klose and Podolsky. The Germans are traditionally good defenders while the Argentines are well served by Ayala and company. But the biggest factor could be the home fans, whom the German coach, Klinsmann calls the 12th player.
The second match of the day features Italy and Ukraine. The Italians were lucky to be awarded a penalty in the extra time against Australia. The Azzuri have not displayed the kind of football that would make them strong contenders for the cup. But they might prove to be too strong for the tournament debutants, Ukraine. Shevchenko and the others don’t have the firepower to cause difficulties for the Italian defence.
Both sides have wonderful playmakers in Ballack, Riquelme and Messi. Saviola and Crespo have Klose and Podolsky. The Germans are traditionally good defenders while the Argentines are well served by Ayala and company. But the biggest factor could be the home fans, whom the German coach, Klinsmann calls the 12th player.
The second match of the day features Italy and Ukraine. The Italians were lucky to be awarded a penalty in the extra time against Australia. The Azzuri have not displayed the kind of football that would make them strong contenders for the cup. But they might prove to be too strong for the tournament debutants, Ukraine. Shevchenko and the others don’t have the firepower to cause difficulties for the Italian defence.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
OUT BUT NOT DISGRACED
OUT BUT NOT DISGRACED
Brazil got a win over Ghana. The Africans who made their debut in this world cup were not overrun as the scoreline suggests. The Ghanians made several forays into the Brazilian half but somehow did not have the finishing skills. Dida in the Brazilian goal had to make a couple of good saves and one ball was prevented from entering the goal thanks to an instinctive reflex action of the goalie.
The team from Brazil has to strengthen its defence in the coming matches. Ronaldo scored a record fifteenth goal to take him past Gerd Muller. The second goal from Adriano was somewhat lucky as the television replays showed him to be offside. Adriano should not resort to dives.
Brazil got a win over Ghana. The Africans who made their debut in this world cup were not overrun as the scoreline suggests. The Ghanians made several forays into the Brazilian half but somehow did not have the finishing skills. Dida in the Brazilian goal had to make a couple of good saves and one ball was prevented from entering the goal thanks to an instinctive reflex action of the goalie.
The team from Brazil has to strengthen its defence in the coming matches. Ronaldo scored a record fifteenth goal to take him past Gerd Muller. The second goal from Adriano was somewhat lucky as the television replays showed him to be offside. Adriano should not resort to dives.
SPAIN AT IT AGAIN
SPAIN AT IT AGAIN
After an impressive display in the first round, Spain was expected to beat France. But as in the past, Spain lost. In 1986, Spain beat Denmark who scored 6 goals past the likes of Enzo Francescoli of Uruguay. Then in another edition, Michel scored 4 goals in one match and the Spanish progress was halted abruptly. The Spanish have lived upto the tag of underachievers.
To be fair, Zidane and company played inspired football, especially in the second 45 minutes. Things were expected to go the Spanish way after the successful penalty conversion by David Villa. The French equalizer by Ribery seemed to bring the confidence back to the Les Bleus. Patrick Viera had a great role to play scoring one goal and also setting up the scorers.
The win pits the French against the Brazilians. The Samba boys and in particular, Ronaldo would like the erase the bad memories of the defeat in the finals of 1998 at Paris.
After an impressive display in the first round, Spain was expected to beat France. But as in the past, Spain lost. In 1986, Spain beat Denmark who scored 6 goals past the likes of Enzo Francescoli of Uruguay. Then in another edition, Michel scored 4 goals in one match and the Spanish progress was halted abruptly. The Spanish have lived upto the tag of underachievers.
To be fair, Zidane and company played inspired football, especially in the second 45 minutes. Things were expected to go the Spanish way after the successful penalty conversion by David Villa. The French equalizer by Ribery seemed to bring the confidence back to the Les Bleus. Patrick Viera had a great role to play scoring one goal and also setting up the scorers.
The win pits the French against the Brazilians. The Samba boys and in particular, Ronaldo would like the erase the bad memories of the defeat in the finals of 1998 at Paris.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
NO FAIRPLAY THIS
Despite the claims of the FIFA bosses, players at the current world cup do no desist from diving. The latest example is the one that resulted in the ouster of Australia from the world cup. Players dive and then the appeals that follow are bound to test the nerves of the referee. This is especially the case when big teams like Italy are involved. The rub of the green most certainly goes in favour of the more famous players and teams. The players have cultivated the habit of appealing for everything.
In cricket, there are some punitive measures to tackle the problem of excessive appealing. That can in some way reduce the farcical ‘fall and appeal’ routine that has become the most repeated trick in the world cup of 2006.
This is not fairplay.
Italy go through
Italy
Italy scored off a penalty in the last minute of the game to beat Australia and enter the quarterfinals. This defeat ended the run of the ‘socceroos’ in the 2006 world cup. Guus Hiddink was not able to repeat the feat of taking South Korea to the quarterfinals in the last edition of the world cup in 2002.
Shevchenko may ultimately prove to be the key in the match-up between Ukraine and Switzerland.
Italy scored off a penalty in the last minute of the game to beat Australia and enter the quarterfinals. This defeat ended the run of the ‘socceroos’ in the 2006 world cup. Guus Hiddink was not able to repeat the feat of taking South Korea to the quarterfinals in the last edition of the world cup in 2002.
Shevchenko may ultimately prove to be the key in the match-up between Ukraine and Switzerland.
Monday, June 26, 2006
WORLD CUP UPDATE
ENGLAND AND PORTUGAL TO CLASH IN THE QUARTERFINALS
Portugal is through to the quarterfinals thanks to a goal from Maniche. The match was characterized by solid football and eventful moments. There were plenty of yellow cards and 4 players were actually sent off. The second half was hard fought with the Dutch trying hard to score and Portugal aiming to increase their lead. The intensity of the match judged from the 6 minutes of injury time.
Portugal is scheduled to meet England in the quarterfinals. England went past Ecuador through a freekick from David Beckham. The English now has the distinction of scoring in three consecutive world cups.
Portugal beat Holland and England on way to the finals of the Euro 2004. So will it be the same this time?
Portugal is through to the quarterfinals thanks to a goal from Maniche. The match was characterized by solid football and eventful moments. There were plenty of yellow cards and 4 players were actually sent off. The second half was hard fought with the Dutch trying hard to score and Portugal aiming to increase their lead. The intensity of the match judged from the 6 minutes of injury time.
Portugal is scheduled to meet England in the quarterfinals. England went past Ecuador through a freekick from David Beckham. The English now has the distinction of scoring in three consecutive world cups.
Portugal beat Holland and England on way to the finals of the Euro 2004. So will it be the same this time?
Sunday, June 25, 2006
NEEDED A NEW SPIN
The English cricket team lost the one-day series in Pakistan and they lost the seven match series in India as well. I believe the English won only one match in India. The English media went hoarse with the calls saying that the English team does not take the limited overs version of the game seriously. But the same people were over the moon when England did better in the one-dayers before the last Ashes.
Now England have been beaten in a one-day series by Sri Lanka. Wonder, if the home team took the matches seriously. The fact is otherwise. If analysed carefully, there are very few players in the England team who fit the one-day game. Flintoff is good for both the tests and the one-dayers. So is the case with Kevin Pietersen. Speaking about Pietersen, he is the best English batsmen since the Ashes. But very often, after a good start, he throws his wicket away in the one-dayers. Collingwood is another player who is a very good one-day player. He can bat, bowl and field excellently.
Apart from these players, there are not many who have match winning abilities in the one dayers. Michael Vaughan was never a good one day player. Trescothick and Strauss do not have the ability to take on the opposition bowlers that is so important in the early stages of the limited overs game.
In the bowling department, there are no such English bowlers who can mix the pace and create problems for the batsmen of the opposing teams. There is no spinner to bring down the opposition run rate.
So it is time that the English team gets its act together in the one-dayers. Or, they have to accept the fact that they are not a good one day side.
Now England have been beaten in a one-day series by Sri Lanka. Wonder, if the home team took the matches seriously. The fact is otherwise. If analysed carefully, there are very few players in the England team who fit the one-day game. Flintoff is good for both the tests and the one-dayers. So is the case with Kevin Pietersen. Speaking about Pietersen, he is the best English batsmen since the Ashes. But very often, after a good start, he throws his wicket away in the one-dayers. Collingwood is another player who is a very good one-day player. He can bat, bowl and field excellently.
Apart from these players, there are not many who have match winning abilities in the one dayers. Michael Vaughan was never a good one day player. Trescothick and Strauss do not have the ability to take on the opposition bowlers that is so important in the early stages of the limited overs game.
In the bowling department, there are no such English bowlers who can mix the pace and create problems for the batsmen of the opposing teams. There is no spinner to bring down the opposition run rate.
So it is time that the English team gets its act together in the one-dayers. Or, they have to accept the fact that they are not a good one day side.
ST.KITTS
UNFAIR WEATHER AND MEDIOCRE CRICKET
Atkinson the famous pitch maker or more properly, the pitch curator, promised a good sporting wicket for the third test at St. Kitts. But in the end, the pitch is a true batsman’s paradise.
In the three days of cricket, the home team was able to complete the first innings and the visiting Indians have lost only two wickets. Of course, rains played the spoilsport by curtailing the cricket. To be fair, the home batsmen were not intent on scoring the runs quickly and the visiting bowlers were not able to dislodge them.
Commentators like Siddhu and Manjrekar blamed Lara for the prolonged boredom over the three days. Chanderpaul boosted his home average against India and took a lot of flak for the slow approach. Lara and the West Indies team management had a plan to deny the Indians the chance of a victory. The winning of the toss helped them. The lack of a proper bowling plan from the Indians aided the home team in its cause. The fielding placements left a lot to be desired.
The debutant umpire Brian Jerling made life uncomfortable for the Indian bowlers, especially, Anil Kumble. Of course, umpriring decisions or non-decisions are a part of this great game.
Atkinson the famous pitch maker or more properly, the pitch curator, promised a good sporting wicket for the third test at St. Kitts. But in the end, the pitch is a true batsman’s paradise.
In the three days of cricket, the home team was able to complete the first innings and the visiting Indians have lost only two wickets. Of course, rains played the spoilsport by curtailing the cricket. To be fair, the home batsmen were not intent on scoring the runs quickly and the visiting bowlers were not able to dislodge them.
Commentators like Siddhu and Manjrekar blamed Lara for the prolonged boredom over the three days. Chanderpaul boosted his home average against India and took a lot of flak for the slow approach. Lara and the West Indies team management had a plan to deny the Indians the chance of a victory. The winning of the toss helped them. The lack of a proper bowling plan from the Indians aided the home team in its cause. The fielding placements left a lot to be desired.
The debutant umpire Brian Jerling made life uncomfortable for the Indian bowlers, especially, Anil Kumble. Of course, umpriring decisions or non-decisions are a part of this great game.
WORLD CUP UPDATE
GERMANY AND ARGENTINA THROUGH
Germany and Argentina are through the quarterfinals of the 2006 world cup, though in contrasting styles. Germany scored two early goals and Podolski was the scorer on both the occasions. The Swedes fluffed up their lines and Henrik Larsson missed a penalty. That is how the game can be cruel sometimes. Larsson is the all time scorer for Sweden and he missed a penalty. The Germans are a safe bet to go all the distance with all the support they get from their supporters.
The Argentines were jolted by an early goal from the Mexicans, though a melee at the goal resulted in the equalizer. It was only in the extra time the match was decided.
ENGLAND HAS TO PERFORM OR PERISH
All the talk is over. Now it is time for the overhyped footballers of England to finally show to the world that they have the heart and the ability to compete with the best. Of course, Ecuador are not really in the same league as their more famous South American compatriots, Brazil and Argentina.
In the three first round matches, Beckham and company have displayed little of their skills and talent. Peter Crouch does not really look like scoring goals. Joe Cole and Gerrard not to forget Lampard have looked good. Michael Owen has suffered a horrible injury.
Most of the English footballers look classy in the Premier League but when it comes to the international scene, it is a completely different story.
THERE ARE NO CLEAR FAVOURITES
Portugal and Holland fight out for a quarterfinal spot. Both the teams have so far displayed an uninspiring brand of football. Portugal is always a paradox with all the talent available and so is Holland. It is a last chance for the likes of Figo to achieve greatness at the exalted scene while Christian Ronaldo, Robben and Van Persie would strive for the ultimate recognition.
The Dutch teams of the 1980s and the 1990s could not achieve much except for the win in the European championship of 1988. That team had the talent but in the world cup of 1990, they lost out to the eventual winners, Germany. It was alleged that the Dutch teams suffered from internal strife.
The match is also a contest between two coaches of different styles and strategies. Scolari brings the Brazilian flavour while Van Basten is more focused on defence.
In my humble opinion, the match should go all the distance to the extra time and even to the penalty shots.
Germany and Argentina are through the quarterfinals of the 2006 world cup, though in contrasting styles. Germany scored two early goals and Podolski was the scorer on both the occasions. The Swedes fluffed up their lines and Henrik Larsson missed a penalty. That is how the game can be cruel sometimes. Larsson is the all time scorer for Sweden and he missed a penalty. The Germans are a safe bet to go all the distance with all the support they get from their supporters.
The Argentines were jolted by an early goal from the Mexicans, though a melee at the goal resulted in the equalizer. It was only in the extra time the match was decided.
ENGLAND HAS TO PERFORM OR PERISH
All the talk is over. Now it is time for the overhyped footballers of England to finally show to the world that they have the heart and the ability to compete with the best. Of course, Ecuador are not really in the same league as their more famous South American compatriots, Brazil and Argentina.
In the three first round matches, Beckham and company have displayed little of their skills and talent. Peter Crouch does not really look like scoring goals. Joe Cole and Gerrard not to forget Lampard have looked good. Michael Owen has suffered a horrible injury.
Most of the English footballers look classy in the Premier League but when it comes to the international scene, it is a completely different story.
THERE ARE NO CLEAR FAVOURITES
Portugal and Holland fight out for a quarterfinal spot. Both the teams have so far displayed an uninspiring brand of football. Portugal is always a paradox with all the talent available and so is Holland. It is a last chance for the likes of Figo to achieve greatness at the exalted scene while Christian Ronaldo, Robben and Van Persie would strive for the ultimate recognition.
The Dutch teams of the 1980s and the 1990s could not achieve much except for the win in the European championship of 1988. That team had the talent but in the world cup of 1990, they lost out to the eventual winners, Germany. It was alleged that the Dutch teams suffered from internal strife.
The match is also a contest between two coaches of different styles and strategies. Scolari brings the Brazilian flavour while Van Basten is more focused on defence.
In my humble opinion, the match should go all the distance to the extra time and even to the penalty shots.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
WORLD CUP UPDATE
ARGENTINA LOOK DIFFERENT
The second match of the day features Argentina and Mexico. The 1986 winners look a class above the rest and Mexico have a lot to worry over. But Mexico are no pushovers, The last few matches between the two have been close contests.
However, few would dare to bet against the likes of Riquelme, Messi, Ayala and others. No doubt, this is the best Argentine team since the one led by Diego Maradona to win in 1986.
The second match of the day features Argentina and Mexico. The 1986 winners look a class above the rest and Mexico have a lot to worry over. But Mexico are no pushovers, The last few matches between the two have been close contests.
However, few would dare to bet against the likes of Riquelme, Messi, Ayala and others. No doubt, this is the best Argentine team since the one led by Diego Maradona to win in 1986.
WORLD CUP UPDATE
GERMANY START THE FAVOURITE
The German team is favoured to win against Sweden. The strikers of the home team, Podolski and Klose are in good touch and with the inspirational Ballack in the midfield, few would like to think otherwise. The Germans are always good in defence and the present defenders are not likely to allow much room to the opponents. But the biggest strength of the Germans is Ballack who orchestrates all the forward moves with great skill and creativity. No wonder, the home supporters were disappointed with the injury of Ballack on the eve of the tournament opener against Costa Rica.
The German team is favoured to win against Sweden. The strikers of the home team, Podolski and Klose are in good touch and with the inspirational Ballack in the midfield, few would like to think otherwise. The Germans are always good in defence and the present defenders are not likely to allow much room to the opponents. But the biggest strength of the Germans is Ballack who orchestrates all the forward moves with great skill and creativity. No wonder, the home supporters were disappointed with the injury of Ballack on the eve of the tournament opener against Costa Rica.
GHANA
Ghana remains the only country from Africa to go to the second round of the 2006 world cup. The talent on show by the African teams that included the likes of Ivory Coast, Togo, Angola besides Ghana was exceptional, although the goals and the victories belonged to the opponents. Only the magicians from South America surpassed some of the skills displayed by the Africans. It is this brand of football from Africa that makes one sit up and take notice. One thing that is spectacular of the African footballers is the way the goals are celebrated. Roger Milla had his own style while the Nigerians like Kaanu put up their own style. This time also every goal was celebrated in a different and an unique way.
Ghana are unlucky in a way to play Brazil in the second round but that is something that the likes of Appiah would relish. The footballers from Africa see the world cup as an opportunity for better future in the lucrative leagues of Europe.
The only Ghanian to get international recognition is the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan. Now a whole country and a continent can be proud of a group of Ghanians.
Ghana are unlucky in a way to play Brazil in the second round but that is something that the likes of Appiah would relish. The footballers from Africa see the world cup as an opportunity for better future in the lucrative leagues of Europe.
The only Ghanian to get international recognition is the Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan. Now a whole country and a continent can be proud of a group of Ghanians.
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