Match Day 14- I love my wife and won't be watching until she falls asleep day!
Today is our four year wedding anniversary so I'll be keeping comments short as the warden is watching me. Ha! See how I made an outdated joke about marriage as a prison? HA!
Seriously, I love my cell mate, I mean wife...HA!
We just had a lovely dinner at this new restaurant called Madison which is run by some people who used to work at M on the bund, one of the nicer restaurants in Shanghai. Great interior that really takes you out of the city for awhile. It exuded a warmth and comfort. The food was excellent and it was just a great evening all together. We still can't believe we have been married for four years. I have had the best times of my life with this woman.
Tonight's matches:
Group F
Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia, and New Zealand tussle for control in what is still a wide open group.
Best guesses:
Paraguay 2-0 New Zealand
Believe me, I would love, love, love for New Zealand to pull this out and advance. I will be cheering my head off for them. So I hope I am wrong. Paraguay has been one of the most consistent teams of the tournament with very few holes to exploit. I expect them to seal first place in the group. Oddly enough, the "All-Whites" will look a lot more like their Rugby counterparts by wearing all black tonight. Please expect endless Lord of the Rings and Flight of the Conchords references if they make it.
Italy 1-0 Slovakia
Italy will get it's s#!% together? Slovakia probably won't win this but they certainly have a chance. If they keep their heads and don't let Italy mind-game them out of the match, they could still pull a win here. Ultimately, I think Marcelo Lippi will have sorted out any tactical issues with the team.
So final results may end up:
1. Paraguay 7 points
2. Italy 5 points
3. New Zealand 2 points
4. Slovakia 1 point
Group E
Cameroon who are already out play Netherlands who have already advanced. No real drama to be had. Denmark has to win versus Japan, but on the other side of that Japan can draw and get through. Japan will be playing for 1st place hoping to achieve the 3 goal swing they would need on the off chance Cameroon beat Netherlands.
Best guesses:
Netherlands 1-0 Cameroon.
Cameroon is playing for pride alone, but it won't be enough to break down the Dutch. The Dutch will probably start a lot of the substitutes until things get hot at which point they will bring on the first teamers to put out any fires. The Dutch may open up their game a bit which could make for some entertaining moments. I would think that now is the right time to play the youngest on the squad to give them the feel of what the big stage is truly like. Cameroon could give themselves a head start on the next African Nations Cup and qualifying for the next World Cup.
Japan 1-1 Denmark.
I just finished typing the line above and I already feel like it is wrong. Japan is very organized and should frustrate the Danish attack. At the same time, I don't see them keeping the promising yet inconsistent Danes out of the net. Nicklas Bendtner is a tough challenge for the Japanese back line with his skill and size. Okay, I'm starting to think Denmark wins tonight. Hmmmm, I'll hold fast on my guess, but don't be surprised if Denmark break it open.
Final results?
1. Netherlands 9 points
2. Japan 4 points + goal differential
3. Denmark 4 points
4. Cameroon 0 points
Tomorrow night is the heavyweight showdown between Brazil and Portugal for top of the group honors. Both are essentially through, but I think Portugal wants to make a statement tomorrow night. We also get what could be a thrilling and fast-paced game between Chile and Spain. Lots of scenarios are in play tomorrow night, so I'll be up and running with lots of breakdowns.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
World Cup Fever! Catch it! (WARNING: may cause spousal irritation)
VICTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I still can't believe what I just saw. After being robbed again by a bad call, I started to feel this horrible emptiness in my gut. The USA had so many chances and seemingly could not finish. They had 8 shots on target and each one was like a bullet bouncing off steel. My mind was reeling towards the end of the game thinking how it could not end like this. This team deserved better. Call them the cardiac kids because they don't make it easy and probably never will.
USA takes first place in the group with that victory and possibly an easier route to the quarterfinals. I say possibly, but once you escape the group stage everything becomes difficult, difficult, lemon difficult. The options as of this very second are Ghana, Germany, and Serbia. None are necessarily attractive, but I know I'd like another crack at Ghana after getting eliminated by them in 2006. Honestly, I'd love to see the USA stick it to Germany to because of 2002. Hopefully after all this fussing, Bob has figured out what the lineup should be going into the round of 16.
Smile everybody, the USA are A-O-K! Yeah, I said it. So what?
I still can't believe what I just saw. After being robbed again by a bad call, I started to feel this horrible emptiness in my gut. The USA had so many chances and seemingly could not finish. They had 8 shots on target and each one was like a bullet bouncing off steel. My mind was reeling towards the end of the game thinking how it could not end like this. This team deserved better. Call them the cardiac kids because they don't make it easy and probably never will.
USA takes first place in the group with that victory and possibly an easier route to the quarterfinals. I say possibly, but once you escape the group stage everything becomes difficult, difficult, lemon difficult. The options as of this very second are Ghana, Germany, and Serbia. None are necessarily attractive, but I know I'd like another crack at Ghana after getting eliminated by them in 2006. Honestly, I'd love to see the USA stick it to Germany to because of 2002. Hopefully after all this fussing, Bob has figured out what the lineup should be going into the round of 16.
Smile everybody, the USA are A-O-K! Yeah, I said it. So what?
World Cup Fever! Catch it! (WARNING: may cause spousal irritation)
Match Day 13- ...and it won't be over till its over over there!
If I can just add some more words to the already well described shambles that is the French situation, I'd like to talk about heart. South Africa showed heart. Nigeria showed heart. France showed that a presumption of greatness gets you jack squat. I am a fan of French football. I have a retro Adidas 10 jersey hanging in my closet as a tribute to Platini and Zidane. This performance made me want to light it on fire and hurl it out the window. A couple of things I saw in the last day only deepened the satisfaction of knowing the French went home empty handed.
The first was the Argentina teams behavior throughout their match last night. Since the first game, they have looked relaxed and happy. I think you can peg some of that on the enthusiasm of Diego Maradona. Whether or not he has the skills to guide this team through hardship remains to be seen. What cannot be ignored is the vitality and spirit he has imbued his team with. They smile and laugh and look like they are having the time of their lives. They play with a true team spirit that France was sorely lacking.
The second was a brief piece on Jorge Burruchaga, the player who scored the winning goal for Argentina in the 1986 World Cup. When he was a child, his mother set aside money so that he could train to play football. He never forgot her sacrifice and used that as a driving motivation throughout Argentina's World Cup run. He truly appreciated what it meant to even play in a World Cup, let alone score a goal on the grandest stage.
In both these cases, we see that heart has won out over all the other petty concerns that ultimately doomed France. So few of the French Players exhibited the kind of joy or sense of wonder needed to be a World Cup champion. I know, platitudes like that are all well and good, but they don't win you tournaments. That is true enough. I can stand on a soapbox all I like, but what I am trying to indicate is that the same is true in any sport. Those who embrace the moment and acknowledge the true gift that playing a sport at the highest level is, create the greatest moments in that sports history.
We go back at it with both Groups C and D to be decided and the fate of yet another entitled team hangs in the balance.
Group C
1. Slovenia 4 points +1 GD
2. USA 2 points 0 GD +3 goals scored
3. England 2 points 0 GD +1 goals scored
4. Algeria 1 point -1 GD
So once again, Ryan's blinders go on and I cannot focus on reasonable analysis. Ok, ok, I can see the truth of the matter, but I really don't want to.The US and England win and they advance, it is as simple as that. For what it's worth I don't have the same sense of foreboding dread like I did before the last game. Who knows what that means. What gets lost in all the discussion is that Slovenia is still in first and can control the tempo of their game against England. They need a draw and they advance. England need to press the action but Slovenia has a great counter attack. The USA has a similar circumstance in that they need to be the ones pressing the attack, but the difference is that Algeria needs to gain momentum on the wings to make an impact. They aren't really a counter attacking side.
Scenarios:
Slovenia to advance- Win or draw vs. England. Loss + USA and Algeria draw.
USA to advance- Win v. Algeria. Draw vs. Algeria + England loss, or England drawing and failing to make up goal differential or goals scored differential.
England to advance- Win vs. Slovenia. Draw vs. Slovenia with US loss or US draw and overcoming goal differential.
Algeria to advance- Win vs. USA with England loss or Slovenia loss. Win vs. USA and England draw while overcoming goals differential.
Best Guesses:
England 1-0 Slovenia.
England get it together?
USA 2-0 Algeria.
USA get it together? Honestly the USA have had it together, the trouble is minding the door. Waking up halfway through the game isn't going to do it this time. Algeria's defense is competent and so is it's offense. I know the US won't take them lightly, and I expect team America to move onto the 2nd round. F*&$ yeah.
Group D
The fact that Germany could go home tonight after that amazing first game blows my mind. Ghana represents Africa's best shot to stay in this competition. Serbia has to shift it's perspective a tad tonight if they want to take the group, and Australia has to play like they are Brazil.
1. Ghana 4 points +1 GD
2. Germany 3 points +3 GD
3. Serbia 3 points 0 GD
4. Australia 1 points -4 GD
Scenarios:
Ghana to advance- Win or draw vs. Germany. loss and loss by Serbia with Australia failing to make up GD.
Germany to advance- Win vs. Ghana. Draw vs. Ghana with Serbia loss or draw and failure to make up GD.
Serbia to advance- Win vs. Australia. Draw vs. Australia with Germany loss or Ghana loss with large goal defecit.
Australia to advance- Australia must fly down the Death Star's trench avoiding tower fire and Tie-Fighters. Then firing a single torpedo down the exhaust shaft striking the Death Star's reactor core should cause a chain reaction that will destroy the Death Star. Sorry? Oh, wrong...uh, nevermind. Win v. Serbia and a minimum 7 goal swing with Germany loss and a minimum 5 goal swing with Ghana loss.
Best guesses:
Germany 2-0 Ghana.
Germany won't be caught out this time, nor will they have a referee shoving a card in their face every time they sneeze.
Serbia 1-1 Australia.
I'd love for Australia to win and win big, but I think maybe their run ends tonight. Serbia will control just enough of the pace to score one of their own but allow the Soccer Roos a glimmer of hope.
I think the USA wins out and guarantees themselves 1st place and a date with Ghana who makes through on head to head record with Serbia. England make it through and wind up in a great head to head with Germany.
If I can just add some more words to the already well described shambles that is the French situation, I'd like to talk about heart. South Africa showed heart. Nigeria showed heart. France showed that a presumption of greatness gets you jack squat. I am a fan of French football. I have a retro Adidas 10 jersey hanging in my closet as a tribute to Platini and Zidane. This performance made me want to light it on fire and hurl it out the window. A couple of things I saw in the last day only deepened the satisfaction of knowing the French went home empty handed.
The first was the Argentina teams behavior throughout their match last night. Since the first game, they have looked relaxed and happy. I think you can peg some of that on the enthusiasm of Diego Maradona. Whether or not he has the skills to guide this team through hardship remains to be seen. What cannot be ignored is the vitality and spirit he has imbued his team with. They smile and laugh and look like they are having the time of their lives. They play with a true team spirit that France was sorely lacking.
The second was a brief piece on Jorge Burruchaga, the player who scored the winning goal for Argentina in the 1986 World Cup. When he was a child, his mother set aside money so that he could train to play football. He never forgot her sacrifice and used that as a driving motivation throughout Argentina's World Cup run. He truly appreciated what it meant to even play in a World Cup, let alone score a goal on the grandest stage.
In both these cases, we see that heart has won out over all the other petty concerns that ultimately doomed France. So few of the French Players exhibited the kind of joy or sense of wonder needed to be a World Cup champion. I know, platitudes like that are all well and good, but they don't win you tournaments. That is true enough. I can stand on a soapbox all I like, but what I am trying to indicate is that the same is true in any sport. Those who embrace the moment and acknowledge the true gift that playing a sport at the highest level is, create the greatest moments in that sports history.
We go back at it with both Groups C and D to be decided and the fate of yet another entitled team hangs in the balance.
Group C
1. Slovenia 4 points +1 GD
2. USA 2 points 0 GD +3 goals scored
3. England 2 points 0 GD +1 goals scored
4. Algeria 1 point -1 GD
So once again, Ryan's blinders go on and I cannot focus on reasonable analysis. Ok, ok, I can see the truth of the matter, but I really don't want to.The US and England win and they advance, it is as simple as that. For what it's worth I don't have the same sense of foreboding dread like I did before the last game. Who knows what that means. What gets lost in all the discussion is that Slovenia is still in first and can control the tempo of their game against England. They need a draw and they advance. England need to press the action but Slovenia has a great counter attack. The USA has a similar circumstance in that they need to be the ones pressing the attack, but the difference is that Algeria needs to gain momentum on the wings to make an impact. They aren't really a counter attacking side.
Scenarios:
Slovenia to advance- Win or draw vs. England. Loss + USA and Algeria draw.
USA to advance- Win v. Algeria. Draw vs. Algeria + England loss, or England drawing and failing to make up goal differential or goals scored differential.
England to advance- Win vs. Slovenia. Draw vs. Slovenia with US loss or US draw and overcoming goal differential.
Algeria to advance- Win vs. USA with England loss or Slovenia loss. Win vs. USA and England draw while overcoming goals differential.
Best Guesses:
England 1-0 Slovenia.
England get it together?
USA 2-0 Algeria.
USA get it together? Honestly the USA have had it together, the trouble is minding the door. Waking up halfway through the game isn't going to do it this time. Algeria's defense is competent and so is it's offense. I know the US won't take them lightly, and I expect team America to move onto the 2nd round. F*&$ yeah.
Group D
The fact that Germany could go home tonight after that amazing first game blows my mind. Ghana represents Africa's best shot to stay in this competition. Serbia has to shift it's perspective a tad tonight if they want to take the group, and Australia has to play like they are Brazil.
1. Ghana 4 points +1 GD
2. Germany 3 points +3 GD
3. Serbia 3 points 0 GD
4. Australia 1 points -4 GD
Scenarios:
Ghana to advance- Win or draw vs. Germany. loss and loss by Serbia with Australia failing to make up GD.
Germany to advance- Win vs. Ghana. Draw vs. Ghana with Serbia loss or draw and failure to make up GD.
Serbia to advance- Win vs. Australia. Draw vs. Australia with Germany loss or Ghana loss with large goal defecit.
Australia to advance- Australia must fly down the Death Star's trench avoiding tower fire and Tie-Fighters. Then firing a single torpedo down the exhaust shaft striking the Death Star's reactor core should cause a chain reaction that will destroy the Death Star. Sorry? Oh, wrong...uh, nevermind. Win v. Serbia and a minimum 7 goal swing with Germany loss and a minimum 5 goal swing with Ghana loss.
Best guesses:
Germany 2-0 Ghana.
Germany won't be caught out this time, nor will they have a referee shoving a card in their face every time they sneeze.
Serbia 1-1 Australia.
I'd love for Australia to win and win big, but I think maybe their run ends tonight. Serbia will control just enough of the pace to score one of their own but allow the Soccer Roos a glimmer of hope.
I think the USA wins out and guarantees themselves 1st place and a date with Ghana who makes through on head to head record with Serbia. England make it through and wind up in a great head to head with Germany.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
World Cup Fever! Catch it! (WARNING: may cause spousal irritation)
Match Day 12- Or as I call it...Chaos Theory.
Sleep deprivation mode goes into over drive with all games going off after 10PM local time.
Last night was a lot of fun with portugal putting on the best show of the tournament. I like to call it "Weeeeee, I want to go again!". The first half of the game looked pretty much like I thought it would. Then, buoyed by their first goal, Portugal lightened up and opened up and turned the North Korean back line into an amusement park and almost everybody got a ride.
Chile just got by Switzerland despite any number of chances to break it open. The Swiss still managed to break the record for total minutes of scoreless defense previously held by Italy. Chile is in a good position but the last game brings some strange scenarios that could find them left out of qualification.
Spain did indeed get back on the horse by beating Honduras, but they may regret David Villa's missed penalty. Their next mission is to beat Chile and win big.
The last round of group stage games gets underway today. The format of this last round changes slightly as we will have four games each night with group games happening simultaneously as to prevent any lackadaisical play. While all of this is happening we have all these mathematical formulas working out in case any of these groups end in ties. So for your viewing pleasure I will break down tonight's match lessen as well as illuminate the tie breaker scenarios.
Should any of these groups end in ties for second or first, we go to a system of tie-breakers. I'll give out the top three tie-breakers. Obviously, top points means everything.
1. Goal differential. This is goals-for subtracted by goals-against. This rewards those who win big or don't give up any goals at all. This will be a factor tonight in Group A.
2. Goals scored. If the goal differential is the same, then they move to which team has the highest total of goals scored.
3. Head to head results against teams in group.
Group A- Walk in the park, or rumble to the death?
Current results: GD= Goal Differential
1. Uruguay 4 points +3 GD
2. Mexico 4 points +2 GD
3. France 1 point -2 GD
4. South Africa 1 point -4 GD
So Mexico and Uruguay merely have to shake hands and sit down to advance to the next round. The problem is that the whoever finishes second in the group probably has to face Argentina in the round of 16. There is plenty to play for, but a gentleman's agreement could seal it for France and South Africa. France has only pride to play for, but they don't even really have that. Nicolas Anelka insults the coach, gets kicked off the team. The team then revolts against the dismissal and refuses to practice. The director of the French Football Federation resigns after the team commits mutiny. The only real justice here is if South Africa gets the win tonight to exit with it's head held high.
Here are the scenarios.
Uruguay to advance- Draw or win v. Mexico
Mexico to advance- Draw or win v. Uruguay
France to advance- Win by at least 3 goals v. South Africa, Mexico must lose by at least 2 goals. Uruguay must lose by at 3.
South Africa to advance- Win by at least 4 goals v. France, Mexico must lose by at least 2 goals. Uruguay must lose by at least 3.
Best guesses:
Scenario 1: Uruguay 0-0 Mexico. I hope I'm wrong about this, but it just feels like Mexico and Uruguay are going to have a nice kick around for 90 minutes.
Scenario 2: Mexico 1- Uruguay 0. If both teams play all out, I think Mexico edges out the win to take 1st in the group.
France 1-0 South Africa.
This shouldn't happen. If it does, it means the Universe rewards the heartless. France may pull it together just enough to beat South Africa, but it won't do it with the game plan written up by Raymond Domenech. South Africa deserves a win or at least a draw here, but I don't know what they can do against a much tougher defensive team.
Group B- Who likes second, hunh?
Current results:
1. Argentina 6 points +4 GD
2. South Korea 3 points -1 GD
3. Greece 3 points -1 GD
4. Nigeria 0 points-2 GD
Wait Ryan, why is South Korea ahead of Greece? Well, the first reason is the that goals scored category. South Korea is at +3 vs. Greece's +2. In addition the next category is head to head in which South Korea already beat Greece. Argentina walks through on goal differential unless South Korea just goes crazy on Nigeria and Greece beats Argentina. All is not lost for Nigeria, but it requires a herculean effort to overcome.
Scenarios:
Argentina to advance- They could fall asleep, miss the game and probably still advance. Win, draw or lose to Greece by less than 5 goals.
South Korea to advance- Win v. Nigeria. Draw v. Nigeria with Greece loss. Lose to Nigeria by 1 goal with Greece loss.
Greece to advance- Win v. Argentina. Draw v. Argentina with South Korea loss.
Nigeria to advance- Win v. South Korea by 3 goals with Greece loss.
Korea has a much easier time of it with a Nigerian team on the ropes. The Greeks have to play the game of their lives against an Argentina team that is playing for style points. Argentina may rest a lot of their starters or pull them early to make sure the subs get some quality time in the Cup.
Best guesses:
Argentina 2-0 Greece.
Even Argentina's subs are enough to make Greece look silly.
North Korea 2-0 Nigeria. North Korea's speed should break down an already mentally exhausted Nigerian squad.
Now I just need to figure out where to go to watch two games at once...
Sleep deprivation mode goes into over drive with all games going off after 10PM local time.
Last night was a lot of fun with portugal putting on the best show of the tournament. I like to call it "Weeeeee, I want to go again!". The first half of the game looked pretty much like I thought it would. Then, buoyed by their first goal, Portugal lightened up and opened up and turned the North Korean back line into an amusement park and almost everybody got a ride.
Chile just got by Switzerland despite any number of chances to break it open. The Swiss still managed to break the record for total minutes of scoreless defense previously held by Italy. Chile is in a good position but the last game brings some strange scenarios that could find them left out of qualification.
Spain did indeed get back on the horse by beating Honduras, but they may regret David Villa's missed penalty. Their next mission is to beat Chile and win big.
The last round of group stage games gets underway today. The format of this last round changes slightly as we will have four games each night with group games happening simultaneously as to prevent any lackadaisical play. While all of this is happening we have all these mathematical formulas working out in case any of these groups end in ties. So for your viewing pleasure I will break down tonight's match lessen as well as illuminate the tie breaker scenarios.
Should any of these groups end in ties for second or first, we go to a system of tie-breakers. I'll give out the top three tie-breakers. Obviously, top points means everything.
1. Goal differential. This is goals-for subtracted by goals-against. This rewards those who win big or don't give up any goals at all. This will be a factor tonight in Group A.
2. Goals scored. If the goal differential is the same, then they move to which team has the highest total of goals scored.
3. Head to head results against teams in group.
Group A- Walk in the park, or rumble to the death?
Current results: GD= Goal Differential
1. Uruguay 4 points +3 GD
2. Mexico 4 points +2 GD
3. France 1 point -2 GD
4. South Africa 1 point -4 GD
So Mexico and Uruguay merely have to shake hands and sit down to advance to the next round. The problem is that the whoever finishes second in the group probably has to face Argentina in the round of 16. There is plenty to play for, but a gentleman's agreement could seal it for France and South Africa. France has only pride to play for, but they don't even really have that. Nicolas Anelka insults the coach, gets kicked off the team. The team then revolts against the dismissal and refuses to practice. The director of the French Football Federation resigns after the team commits mutiny. The only real justice here is if South Africa gets the win tonight to exit with it's head held high.
Here are the scenarios.
Uruguay to advance- Draw or win v. Mexico
Mexico to advance- Draw or win v. Uruguay
France to advance- Win by at least 3 goals v. South Africa, Mexico must lose by at least 2 goals. Uruguay must lose by at 3.
South Africa to advance- Win by at least 4 goals v. France, Mexico must lose by at least 2 goals. Uruguay must lose by at least 3.
Best guesses:
Scenario 1: Uruguay 0-0 Mexico. I hope I'm wrong about this, but it just feels like Mexico and Uruguay are going to have a nice kick around for 90 minutes.
Scenario 2: Mexico 1- Uruguay 0. If both teams play all out, I think Mexico edges out the win to take 1st in the group.
France 1-0 South Africa.
This shouldn't happen. If it does, it means the Universe rewards the heartless. France may pull it together just enough to beat South Africa, but it won't do it with the game plan written up by Raymond Domenech. South Africa deserves a win or at least a draw here, but I don't know what they can do against a much tougher defensive team.
Group B- Who likes second, hunh?
Current results:
1. Argentina 6 points +4 GD
2. South Korea 3 points -1 GD
3. Greece 3 points -1 GD
4. Nigeria 0 points-2 GD
Wait Ryan, why is South Korea ahead of Greece? Well, the first reason is the that goals scored category. South Korea is at +3 vs. Greece's +2. In addition the next category is head to head in which South Korea already beat Greece. Argentina walks through on goal differential unless South Korea just goes crazy on Nigeria and Greece beats Argentina. All is not lost for Nigeria, but it requires a herculean effort to overcome.
Scenarios:
Argentina to advance- They could fall asleep, miss the game and probably still advance. Win, draw or lose to Greece by less than 5 goals.
South Korea to advance- Win v. Nigeria. Draw v. Nigeria with Greece loss. Lose to Nigeria by 1 goal with Greece loss.
Greece to advance- Win v. Argentina. Draw v. Argentina with South Korea loss.
Nigeria to advance- Win v. South Korea by 3 goals with Greece loss.
Korea has a much easier time of it with a Nigerian team on the ropes. The Greeks have to play the game of their lives against an Argentina team that is playing for style points. Argentina may rest a lot of their starters or pull them early to make sure the subs get some quality time in the Cup.
Best guesses:
Argentina 2-0 Greece.
Even Argentina's subs are enough to make Greece look silly.
North Korea 2-0 Nigeria. North Korea's speed should break down an already mentally exhausted Nigerian squad.
Now I just need to figure out where to go to watch two games at once...
Monday, June 21, 2010
World Cup Fever! Catch it! (WARNING: may cause spousal irritation)
Match Day 11- When a win ain't a win...
I devoted a lot of electrons to the New Zealand game last night, but I wanted to add just another couple of points to the discussion. I left out Coach Ricki Herbert and Ryan Nelsen who deserve every bit of the credit I doled out to Paston and Smeltz last night. Herbert did an amazing job of organizing his side. Captain Ryan Nelsen was like lightning on the back line speeding to the ball to make some critical clearances.
It is just a fact, REACT!
Slovakia, Slovakia, Slovakia, what am I going to do with you. I give you love and then you look completely toothless against Paraguay. Paraguay look all set to advance with their dismantling of Slovakia thanks to two really stellar goals from Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros. People are talking about how if the karmic wheel were spinning justly, New Zealand would take at least a point from Paraguay and Italy would lose to Slovakia or draw 0-0. The problem is Paraguay looks pretty tough and hoping for a 0-0 draw between Italy and Slovakia seems like it might be in vain. Cross your fingers though, because crazier things have happened.
Brazil looked rough, but rough for Brazil is still better than 30 other teams in this competition. A lot of people are planning for an Argentina/Brazil final the way those two teams are playing. May the good Lord help any team that gets in Brazil's way should they start playing up to their full potential. Luis Fabiano scored two of the most electrifying goals of the tournament. One that was a horrible crime against all things fair and equitable with not one, but two hand balls guiding it through the defense. Regardless, still astonishing to watch. Elano slotted in the other that may end up being the last contribution of his World Cup given the way he was carted off the pitch last night. I was ashamed of Ivory Coast's performance last night as they tried to outdo Italy for Camp Tankawakanaka's amateur thespian award. Didier Drogba had the lone highlight of the evening dropping in a great header that was ultimately pointless other than to illustrate he should have no problems playing against North Korea.
When a win isn't a win- PREVIEW!
Game 1: Portugal v. North Korea.
If Cristiano Ronaldo wants to continue being in really expensive Nike ads, he better start producing against North Korea. Portugal already looked sloppy against Ivory Coast, and losing Deco for this game doesn't make things any easier. Ronaldo is on an international goal drought with something like 16 months of play with no goals for country. I don't think that will last through the tournament or even the night, but it is something to keep in mind. Chiseled abs and pecs look great but don't put the ball in the net. North korea again comes in as the underdog after a defensively stalwart performance against Brazil. Striker Jong Tae-Se is still promising second round play, so don't expect much of a change in tactics from the last game. They will probably line up with five players on the back line hoping to squash any offense. A draw is not out of the realm of possibility tonight.
Best guess: Portugal 1-0 North Korea.
I think North Korea gets eliminated tonight with Portugal doing just enough to eke out a win. Against Brazil, North Korea really had no shot, but against the one man army that is Portugal, they could still manage something special. Unfortunately Kim Jong Il's soccer prowess proves fruitless without him on the pitch. For surely if the great leader were playing tonight he would score 100 goals, each more beautiful than the last.
Game 2: Chile v. Switzerland.
The "win is not win" tagline comes into play for this game. Chile could beat Switzerland tonight and not advance depending on what Spain does in the next two games. Chile is the favored team tonight, a personal favorite to make the 2nd round. Chile has shown themselves to be one of the most entertaining teams in the tournament with a fire-all-of-your-guns-at-once mentality. Switzerland's afterglow ends tonight as they get back to work slightly worse for wear after picking up some key injuries that leave them depending on the bench for today's contest. However, like I said, they hold a unique advantage with the win over Spain and and a game in hand against a lackluster Honduran side. They could conceivably lose tonight and still crush Honduras. Then if Spain beats Chile, well my head is starting to hurt so we'll explore that later this week.
Best guess: Chile 2-1 Switzerland.
Let's remember that the Swiss got a little lucky with Spain firing shots all over the place but rarely at the goal. Chile is also in a bit of a sticky spot as their defense may not be strong enough to resist the accurate counter attack of the Swiss. I think Chile outworks Switzerland tonight but not without giving up a goal that may end up sinking their mathematical chances.
Game 3: Spain v. Honduras.
If anyone is thinking we'll get a repeat of New Zealand v. Italy, let me dispel that notion quickly. Spain, unlike Italy is built for offense and a lot of it. Honduras' defense was already a little suspect and Spain's short passing game should break them down. I think the early tournament favorites remind everyone just why they were favorites to begin with. Spaniards and Catalans can smile begrudgingly at each other knowing their team isn't done just yet.
Best guess: Spain 3-0 Honduras
You ugly, hey hey, you ugly, hey hey, U-G-L-Y, you ain't got no alibi, you ugly, hey hey, you UGLY!
Tomorrow begins the last round of Group stage games, so I'm contemplating a format change. Until then, I'm gonna have some cake, some glorious, glorious caaaaake.
I devoted a lot of electrons to the New Zealand game last night, but I wanted to add just another couple of points to the discussion. I left out Coach Ricki Herbert and Ryan Nelsen who deserve every bit of the credit I doled out to Paston and Smeltz last night. Herbert did an amazing job of organizing his side. Captain Ryan Nelsen was like lightning on the back line speeding to the ball to make some critical clearances.
It is just a fact, REACT!
Slovakia, Slovakia, Slovakia, what am I going to do with you. I give you love and then you look completely toothless against Paraguay. Paraguay look all set to advance with their dismantling of Slovakia thanks to two really stellar goals from Enrique Vera and Cristian Riveros. People are talking about how if the karmic wheel were spinning justly, New Zealand would take at least a point from Paraguay and Italy would lose to Slovakia or draw 0-0. The problem is Paraguay looks pretty tough and hoping for a 0-0 draw between Italy and Slovakia seems like it might be in vain. Cross your fingers though, because crazier things have happened.
Brazil looked rough, but rough for Brazil is still better than 30 other teams in this competition. A lot of people are planning for an Argentina/Brazil final the way those two teams are playing. May the good Lord help any team that gets in Brazil's way should they start playing up to their full potential. Luis Fabiano scored two of the most electrifying goals of the tournament. One that was a horrible crime against all things fair and equitable with not one, but two hand balls guiding it through the defense. Regardless, still astonishing to watch. Elano slotted in the other that may end up being the last contribution of his World Cup given the way he was carted off the pitch last night. I was ashamed of Ivory Coast's performance last night as they tried to outdo Italy for Camp Tankawakanaka's amateur thespian award. Didier Drogba had the lone highlight of the evening dropping in a great header that was ultimately pointless other than to illustrate he should have no problems playing against North Korea.
When a win isn't a win- PREVIEW!
Game 1: Portugal v. North Korea.
If Cristiano Ronaldo wants to continue being in really expensive Nike ads, he better start producing against North Korea. Portugal already looked sloppy against Ivory Coast, and losing Deco for this game doesn't make things any easier. Ronaldo is on an international goal drought with something like 16 months of play with no goals for country. I don't think that will last through the tournament or even the night, but it is something to keep in mind. Chiseled abs and pecs look great but don't put the ball in the net. North korea again comes in as the underdog after a defensively stalwart performance against Brazil. Striker Jong Tae-Se is still promising second round play, so don't expect much of a change in tactics from the last game. They will probably line up with five players on the back line hoping to squash any offense. A draw is not out of the realm of possibility tonight.
Best guess: Portugal 1-0 North Korea.
I think North Korea gets eliminated tonight with Portugal doing just enough to eke out a win. Against Brazil, North Korea really had no shot, but against the one man army that is Portugal, they could still manage something special. Unfortunately Kim Jong Il's soccer prowess proves fruitless without him on the pitch. For surely if the great leader were playing tonight he would score 100 goals, each more beautiful than the last.
Game 2: Chile v. Switzerland.
The "win is not win" tagline comes into play for this game. Chile could beat Switzerland tonight and not advance depending on what Spain does in the next two games. Chile is the favored team tonight, a personal favorite to make the 2nd round. Chile has shown themselves to be one of the most entertaining teams in the tournament with a fire-all-of-your-guns-at-once mentality. Switzerland's afterglow ends tonight as they get back to work slightly worse for wear after picking up some key injuries that leave them depending on the bench for today's contest. However, like I said, they hold a unique advantage with the win over Spain and and a game in hand against a lackluster Honduran side. They could conceivably lose tonight and still crush Honduras. Then if Spain beats Chile, well my head is starting to hurt so we'll explore that later this week.
Best guess: Chile 2-1 Switzerland.
Let's remember that the Swiss got a little lucky with Spain firing shots all over the place but rarely at the goal. Chile is also in a bit of a sticky spot as their defense may not be strong enough to resist the accurate counter attack of the Swiss. I think Chile outworks Switzerland tonight but not without giving up a goal that may end up sinking their mathematical chances.
Game 3: Spain v. Honduras.
If anyone is thinking we'll get a repeat of New Zealand v. Italy, let me dispel that notion quickly. Spain, unlike Italy is built for offense and a lot of it. Honduras' defense was already a little suspect and Spain's short passing game should break them down. I think the early tournament favorites remind everyone just why they were favorites to begin with. Spaniards and Catalans can smile begrudgingly at each other knowing their team isn't done just yet.
Best guess: Spain 3-0 Honduras
You ugly, hey hey, you ugly, hey hey, U-G-L-Y, you ain't got no alibi, you ugly, hey hey, you UGLY!
Tomorrow begins the last round of Group stage games, so I'm contemplating a format change. Until then, I'm gonna have some cake, some glorious, glorious caaaaake.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
World Cup Fever! Catch it! (WARNING: may cause spousal irritation)
Rapid fire reaction- New Zealand v. Italy.
All the hyperbole you want to throw at this match is fully warranted. The best example of when a draw is a win. New Zealand was denigrated in the Italian press. They were dismissed by everyone. When you have nothing to lose, reckless abandon becomes second nature. Except in this case, there was no recklessness to be seen save for the unfortunate foul that allowed Italy to get a foot in the door. New Zealand were under siege for almost the entire game. They kept their composure and deepened what is becoming a legendary World Cup story. They now sit poised to make a run for the second round and stun the World. The Hobbits have wandered far from the shire and through the Orc-infested fields of Mordor.
The shot and the goal- New Zealand's goal was a thing of beauty. Shane Smeltz slipped past a distracted Fabio Cannavaro while fully on-side and pile-drove the ricochet off Cannavaro's thigh into the back of the net. After setting up the injury time goal in the Slovakia game, Smeltz is becoming a folk hero who should expect to hear from some bigger clubs come tournament's end.
The theater- Oh, Italy... It was like a night at the opera with all of the drama performed by the Italians. Daniele DeRossi made the most of Tommy Smith's shirt pull by hitting the ground like he was avoiding machine gun fire. The rest of the Italian team hammed it up clawing at their faces and sides from the immense pain inflicted by the Kiwi's Jedi mind powers.
The siege- The wall of Jericho, Mark Paston was not. The vuvuzuelas blew, but they could not bring down the New Zealand keeper. He was caught flat-footed only once in the night, and after his escape from that incident made sure the mistake was not to be repeated. He stretched and batted away shot after shot. Paston guarded his goal like Gandalf at Khazad-Dum. The Italian Balrog to be denied time and again. "None shall pass!". Seriously, I'm going to milk the Lord of the Rings and New Zealand references to death. His defense deserves extra credit for weathering repeated corner kicks.
The shame- I fully expected italy to "get their groove back" this game. They had chance after chance, and even all the Jewel Box Theater level performances couldn't bring them a victory. They will be eviscerated in the Italian papers. If they don't advance to the second round, it will be the greatest failure by a returning championship team since France in 2002.
The aftermath- I am on the New Zealand band wagon. Get me a shirt, and cases of Tui and Steinlager. Everything they do from this point on is gravy. They gained so much respect after they gutted it out against Slovakia, and have elevated themselves to Cinderella status in World Cup history books. Next up, New Zealand get stuck with a really talented Paraguay side that look almost certain of advancing. Italy face off with Slovakia in a desperate fight for advancement.
Required New Zealand cultural viewing:
The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the other films of Peter Jackson.
Flight of the Conchords seasons one and two.
New Zealand legendary All Blacks rugby team. Famous for the Maori Haka dance performed before each match.
Indoctrinate yourselves now before the band wagon fills to capacity!
All the hyperbole you want to throw at this match is fully warranted. The best example of when a draw is a win. New Zealand was denigrated in the Italian press. They were dismissed by everyone. When you have nothing to lose, reckless abandon becomes second nature. Except in this case, there was no recklessness to be seen save for the unfortunate foul that allowed Italy to get a foot in the door. New Zealand were under siege for almost the entire game. They kept their composure and deepened what is becoming a legendary World Cup story. They now sit poised to make a run for the second round and stun the World. The Hobbits have wandered far from the shire and through the Orc-infested fields of Mordor.
The shot and the goal- New Zealand's goal was a thing of beauty. Shane Smeltz slipped past a distracted Fabio Cannavaro while fully on-side and pile-drove the ricochet off Cannavaro's thigh into the back of the net. After setting up the injury time goal in the Slovakia game, Smeltz is becoming a folk hero who should expect to hear from some bigger clubs come tournament's end.
The theater- Oh, Italy... It was like a night at the opera with all of the drama performed by the Italians. Daniele DeRossi made the most of Tommy Smith's shirt pull by hitting the ground like he was avoiding machine gun fire. The rest of the Italian team hammed it up clawing at their faces and sides from the immense pain inflicted by the Kiwi's Jedi mind powers.
The siege- The wall of Jericho, Mark Paston was not. The vuvuzuelas blew, but they could not bring down the New Zealand keeper. He was caught flat-footed only once in the night, and after his escape from that incident made sure the mistake was not to be repeated. He stretched and batted away shot after shot. Paston guarded his goal like Gandalf at Khazad-Dum. The Italian Balrog to be denied time and again. "None shall pass!". Seriously, I'm going to milk the Lord of the Rings and New Zealand references to death. His defense deserves extra credit for weathering repeated corner kicks.
The shame- I fully expected italy to "get their groove back" this game. They had chance after chance, and even all the Jewel Box Theater level performances couldn't bring them a victory. They will be eviscerated in the Italian papers. If they don't advance to the second round, it will be the greatest failure by a returning championship team since France in 2002.
The aftermath- I am on the New Zealand band wagon. Get me a shirt, and cases of Tui and Steinlager. Everything they do from this point on is gravy. They gained so much respect after they gutted it out against Slovakia, and have elevated themselves to Cinderella status in World Cup history books. Next up, New Zealand get stuck with a really talented Paraguay side that look almost certain of advancing. Italy face off with Slovakia in a desperate fight for advancement.
Required New Zealand cultural viewing:
The Lord of the Rings trilogy and the other films of Peter Jackson.
Flight of the Conchords seasons one and two.
New Zealand legendary All Blacks rugby team. Famous for the Maori Haka dance performed before each match.
Indoctrinate yourselves now before the band wagon fills to capacity!
World Cup Fever! Catch it! (WARNING: may cause spousal irritation)
Match Day 10- Phase one, in which Doris gets her oats.
Another short post as social commitments deprive me of time and focus.
Once again we see a refereeing decision change the entire complexion of a game with Harry Kewell getting a red for an unintentional handball in the box. Australia had some fire going last night and looked ready to go back up despite being down a man. Ghana looked nothing like the team that ran down Serbia until the last few minutes of the game when it was just too late. Ghana gets the unfortunate task of taking on a very angry German team, but really only needs a draw to advance. Australia is left to deal with the stingy defense of Serbia.
The Netherlands looked good but not great in their win over Japan. Japan played as tough as I thought they would but never seemed overmatched. I have to say I am really impressed with how far Japan have come as a football team since hosting in 2002. They begin to show the promise of a solid federation infrastructure. While they aren't on par with South Korea just yet, it may not take them long to get there. Netherlands already has 1st place in the group locked up thanks to it's wins over Japan and Denmark. Speaking of...
Denmark looked really sloppy in their win over Cameroon. Their defense flailed all over the field. Thankfully their offense stepped up to save them from any embarrassment. Unfortunately Cameroon becomes the first team effectively eliminated. It is a sad state for the African countries in total with Ghana currently holding the best spot.
What say we fire this thing up and see what it looks like, PREVIEWS!
Game 1- Paraguay v. Slovakia.
Two dark horse teams lock it up to see who can establish some kind of control in what is a wide open group. This is a straight pick'em for me as I don't see one side necessarily having a stronger advantage.
Best guess: Slovakia 1-1 Paraguay.
Both teams look pretty solid and a draw here puts the winner of the Itay v. New Zealand game in the driver's seat. Slovakia could easily open it up behind the offensive beauty of Vladimir Weiss.
Game 2- Italy v. New Zealand.
The Kiwis surprised everyone with their last minute goal in the match against Italy. They proved that as long as they have men on the field, they won't quit and that can get you far. Italy find themselves in a slightly uncomfortable position as their standout goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is out for the tournament with what I believe is a herniated disc. Going to a second keeper is never settling, but Italy is a strong team untroubled by the craziness haunting the French or the English. I expect Italy to get back on track despite having the New Zealand offense climbing their backs for the majority of the game.
Best guess: Italy 1-0 New Zealand.
Game 3- Brazil v. Ivory Coast.
After Ivory Coast's disappointing draw against Portugal, expectations are high for what is a much tougher game. Didier Drogba will be starting this one, so the Brazilian defense will be under much greater strain. However, Brazil has now had a game to get any tension out of their system and should return to playing like, well, Brazil.
Best guess: Brazil 3-1 Ivory Coast.
Other notes of tepid interest: We saw Toy Story 3 today. I love that series. it was a real tear-jerker at times and just continued the ever beautiful work they do at Pixar. I woke up this morning to be pleasantly surprised to find Tiger Woods found his stride again playing himself back into contention at the U.S. Open. I'm only referencing the player here as my opinions about his personal life have no bearing on how I view him as a golfer. He just always manages to find a way to make everyone else on the course look silly. Every time someone writes a career obituary for him, he steps up and torches a course to remind you he is only 34 years old and not going anywhere anytime soon. The last round should be fantastic and beautiful as always. A great Father's Day gift for my Dad as usual.
Happy Father's day to all of you with kids!
Another short post as social commitments deprive me of time and focus.
Once again we see a refereeing decision change the entire complexion of a game with Harry Kewell getting a red for an unintentional handball in the box. Australia had some fire going last night and looked ready to go back up despite being down a man. Ghana looked nothing like the team that ran down Serbia until the last few minutes of the game when it was just too late. Ghana gets the unfortunate task of taking on a very angry German team, but really only needs a draw to advance. Australia is left to deal with the stingy defense of Serbia.
The Netherlands looked good but not great in their win over Japan. Japan played as tough as I thought they would but never seemed overmatched. I have to say I am really impressed with how far Japan have come as a football team since hosting in 2002. They begin to show the promise of a solid federation infrastructure. While they aren't on par with South Korea just yet, it may not take them long to get there. Netherlands already has 1st place in the group locked up thanks to it's wins over Japan and Denmark. Speaking of...
Denmark looked really sloppy in their win over Cameroon. Their defense flailed all over the field. Thankfully their offense stepped up to save them from any embarrassment. Unfortunately Cameroon becomes the first team effectively eliminated. It is a sad state for the African countries in total with Ghana currently holding the best spot.
What say we fire this thing up and see what it looks like, PREVIEWS!
Game 1- Paraguay v. Slovakia.
Two dark horse teams lock it up to see who can establish some kind of control in what is a wide open group. This is a straight pick'em for me as I don't see one side necessarily having a stronger advantage.
Best guess: Slovakia 1-1 Paraguay.
Both teams look pretty solid and a draw here puts the winner of the Itay v. New Zealand game in the driver's seat. Slovakia could easily open it up behind the offensive beauty of Vladimir Weiss.
Game 2- Italy v. New Zealand.
The Kiwis surprised everyone with their last minute goal in the match against Italy. They proved that as long as they have men on the field, they won't quit and that can get you far. Italy find themselves in a slightly uncomfortable position as their standout goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is out for the tournament with what I believe is a herniated disc. Going to a second keeper is never settling, but Italy is a strong team untroubled by the craziness haunting the French or the English. I expect Italy to get back on track despite having the New Zealand offense climbing their backs for the majority of the game.
Best guess: Italy 1-0 New Zealand.
Game 3- Brazil v. Ivory Coast.
After Ivory Coast's disappointing draw against Portugal, expectations are high for what is a much tougher game. Didier Drogba will be starting this one, so the Brazilian defense will be under much greater strain. However, Brazil has now had a game to get any tension out of their system and should return to playing like, well, Brazil.
Best guess: Brazil 3-1 Ivory Coast.
Other notes of tepid interest: We saw Toy Story 3 today. I love that series. it was a real tear-jerker at times and just continued the ever beautiful work they do at Pixar. I woke up this morning to be pleasantly surprised to find Tiger Woods found his stride again playing himself back into contention at the U.S. Open. I'm only referencing the player here as my opinions about his personal life have no bearing on how I view him as a golfer. He just always manages to find a way to make everyone else on the course look silly. Every time someone writes a career obituary for him, he steps up and torches a course to remind you he is only 34 years old and not going anywhere anytime soon. The last round should be fantastic and beautiful as always. A great Father's Day gift for my Dad as usual.
Happy Father's day to all of you with kids!
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