Hello Friends,
Its been quite a while. I took a slight hiatus from blogging to get my life in order a little bit, and am now ready to get back in the game. About a month ago, I realized that I was very unhappy with my job, and my beautiful hometown of New York City was calling me back after 5 long years away. So with about 2 weeks notice I decided to quit my job and pick up everything and move back home. Now I am totally in flux, living in my parents house with all my stuff packed into my thankfully large bedroom. I have no job, no apartment, and a personal trainer's certification that I have to get in the next two weeks. Fuck it though, Im happy as hell. I needed to get some momentum going in my life, and this was it. I cannot wait to get employed in some way though, because one of the hardest things for me to do is be patient while building momentum. Just a month or so more, and I will be flying through life.
Anyway, I just wanted to write this to get the ball rolling on the whole blog thing again. I did the whole travel blog thing, which was easy because I always had something really interesting to write about, but it much harder just writing about what im feeling at the time. Stay tuned though, because after my vacation I will be back with a vengeance. Prepare for a lot more soccer talk and all that jazz.
Keep it real.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
El Final
Well my friends, it has come down to this. After a wonderful third place game today, as they almost always are, we are ready for the scrumptious main course of a World Cup Final. And a potentially marvelous one at that. For the first time since France in 1998, we are guaranteed of a new name to be etched on the face of good old Jules Rimet. And two quite fitting squads as well, the two consensus "Best teams to have never won the World Cup" That mantle is going to be quite lonely for one of these countries after tomorrow.
In this situation, I would brag about the fact that the team I picked to win the whole thing is facing off with the the team that I picked as the dark horse pick to win the tournament. However, I soon remembered that Alexi Lalas, in my opinion the worst soccer analyst in the history of American soccer broadcasting other than Marcelo Balboa, also picked this final pairing. So if I brag about myself, I would also have to brag about the big ginger buffoon himself. Must have been an easy pick then.
On to the matchup...
Spain vs. The Netherlands
This really is an incredible matchup, both because of the historical significance and because of how intertwined these two countries are footballwise. The father of the current Spanish football system, Johan Cruyff, happens to be the greatest ever Dutch footballer, one who was twice a bridesmaid at the World Cup, but never a bride. The sheer potential irony of his genius conception of total football preventing his own country from winning a world cup is ridiculous. And on the other side, the two best players on the Dutch side, Sneijder and Robben, both were cast off unceremoniously from Real Madrid less than 12 months ago. So i would think that they would have revenge on their minds.
However, neither team is going to need any other motivation for this game, because its the World Cup final. This Dutch team has been extraordinarily tough, and resilient, with flashes of quality mixed in. The Spanish team has been relentless, breaking teams down meticulously over the course of 90 minutes. The way that they completely overwhelmed Germany was incredible to watch. They neutralized a German team that had been absolutely en fuego over the previous two matches, making them run in circles for 90 minutes. This Spanish team is built to beat great sides, because they are just so incredibly good at keeping the ball. They move into spaces better than any team, making it almost impossible to take the ball from them. One thing that a soccer player learns from the beginning is that when playing defense, you want to condense the game as much as possible so that the other team doesnt have any space to maneuver. Spain not only is effective in these small spaces, they relish these small spaces. They create mismatches where it seems that they are outnumbered. And when they lose the ball, they are perfectly positioned to win it back. And one thing that was so startling against Germany was how effortless it seemed. Spain were strolling while Germany were sprinting, and somehow this was an advantage for Spain!
The Dutch will be a tougher test for the Spanish, because they are far better at holding the ball. They will not be surprised by the Spanish system, because it is a variation of the ball control system that the Dutch played for many years. The only way that the Dutch have a chance to win is if they are able to combine periods of ball control with incisive attacking moves. Germany was not able to hold the ball, so were never able to put themselves in a position to break out as they had in other games. The Dutch will have to be much better on the ball than the Germans were. I think that the Dutch will do a better job, but I think that, as I said at the beginning of this tournament, this Spanish team is the best national side that I have ever seen. They are built to win, and they do it more easily against better competition. Viva La Roja!
Prediction:
Spain 2-1
Check back next week for my ode to soccer.
Keep it real.
In this situation, I would brag about the fact that the team I picked to win the whole thing is facing off with the the team that I picked as the dark horse pick to win the tournament. However, I soon remembered that Alexi Lalas, in my opinion the worst soccer analyst in the history of American soccer broadcasting other than Marcelo Balboa, also picked this final pairing. So if I brag about myself, I would also have to brag about the big ginger buffoon himself. Must have been an easy pick then.
On to the matchup...
Spain vs. The Netherlands
This really is an incredible matchup, both because of the historical significance and because of how intertwined these two countries are footballwise. The father of the current Spanish football system, Johan Cruyff, happens to be the greatest ever Dutch footballer, one who was twice a bridesmaid at the World Cup, but never a bride. The sheer potential irony of his genius conception of total football preventing his own country from winning a world cup is ridiculous. And on the other side, the two best players on the Dutch side, Sneijder and Robben, both were cast off unceremoniously from Real Madrid less than 12 months ago. So i would think that they would have revenge on their minds.
However, neither team is going to need any other motivation for this game, because its the World Cup final. This Dutch team has been extraordinarily tough, and resilient, with flashes of quality mixed in. The Spanish team has been relentless, breaking teams down meticulously over the course of 90 minutes. The way that they completely overwhelmed Germany was incredible to watch. They neutralized a German team that had been absolutely en fuego over the previous two matches, making them run in circles for 90 minutes. This Spanish team is built to beat great sides, because they are just so incredibly good at keeping the ball. They move into spaces better than any team, making it almost impossible to take the ball from them. One thing that a soccer player learns from the beginning is that when playing defense, you want to condense the game as much as possible so that the other team doesnt have any space to maneuver. Spain not only is effective in these small spaces, they relish these small spaces. They create mismatches where it seems that they are outnumbered. And when they lose the ball, they are perfectly positioned to win it back. And one thing that was so startling against Germany was how effortless it seemed. Spain were strolling while Germany were sprinting, and somehow this was an advantage for Spain!
The Dutch will be a tougher test for the Spanish, because they are far better at holding the ball. They will not be surprised by the Spanish system, because it is a variation of the ball control system that the Dutch played for many years. The only way that the Dutch have a chance to win is if they are able to combine periods of ball control with incisive attacking moves. Germany was not able to hold the ball, so were never able to put themselves in a position to break out as they had in other games. The Dutch will have to be much better on the ball than the Germans were. I think that the Dutch will do a better job, but I think that, as I said at the beginning of this tournament, this Spanish team is the best national side that I have ever seen. They are built to win, and they do it more easily against better competition. Viva La Roja!
Prediction:
Spain 2-1
Check back next week for my ode to soccer.
Keep it real.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Semifinal Preview
Were down to the last four my friends! Chock full of powerhouse European countries, possible great matchups and great players, as well as the last Guay standing. Uruguay somehow scraped into the semis with a gutsy performance, a miraculous bit of unethical play, and a heartbreaking penalty miss from the best Cinderella story in a while. Its ironic that the biggest underdog to make the semis since South Korea in 2002 is also by far the most hated team in the final four, but thats Uruguay. The little nation that could has outlasted the giant South American powers of Brazil and Argentina, but now they face a Netherlands team that is focused on finally breaking their duck. And on the other side, a mouthwatering rematch of the Euro 2008 final pitting a resurgent Germany against a powerhouse Spain squad that hasnt even come close to hitting its stride yet finds itself in the unprecedented air of the semifinals. On to the preview!
Netherlands vs. Uruguay
I would have loved to be writing about how the courageous and precocious young Ghanaian team had beat the odds and became the first African team to make the semi-finals at a World Cup. Instead, after the most heartbreaking loss ive ever seen, the Uruguayans find themselves in the semis. I can't blame Suarez for doing what he did, most players would have, and it is devastating that Gyan missed the penalty, especially given how great he has been this tournament. However, it has definitely been in poor taste how much Suarez has been flaunting his "hand of god" save. Just put your head down, sit on the bench, and cheer on the team you put in the semifinals through an act of cheating. Its not right to shove it in Ghana's face by bragging about it over and over, especially when he wont even be playing in this game. I see little chance of them beating the Dutch, who can just focus on shutting down Forlan and playing their game. This Dutch team is incredible tough and talented, as well as being stronger mentally than any Dutch team ive ever seen. This team sees the end in sight and are playing like World Cup winners. In a lot of ways, they take the identity of their stalwart forward, Mr. Everything, Dirk Kuyt. They are a solid mix of skill, guile, and sheer will, just like the fisherman's son who never quits. They are better in every single facet of the game than their Guayan opponents, and will book a place in the final quite comfortably.
Prediction:
Holland 2-0
Spain vs. Germany
We really are running out of adjectives to describe this incredible German team. They've not only had the hardest road to the semis of any of the teams left, but theyve absolutely dismantled everything in their path since the group stages. They've gotten better and better as the tournament's progressed, and don't look like stopping now. Losing Muller will hurt, but while he has been great, this has been the consummate team effort from the Germans. The way they just completely took apart Argentina was unbelievable. It was an absolutely complete performance. However, although they haven't been even close to their best, Spain is not Argentina. Against Argentina, the Germans exploited the very individual nature of the Argentinians play and destroyed them on the counter-attack. Because Argentina attacked in such a random and unorganized manner, they were completely unequipped to deal with the German counterattack. Spain, on the other hand, is built to keep the ball, and will not be caught out that easily. Their strategy of playing both Busquets and Alonso, which stifled them so much against the lesser, more defensive teams, will now be an advantage for them, allowing them to win the second balls that the Germans thrive on, pinning Germany in their own half. I picked Spain to win from the beginning, and firmly believe that one of the biggest reasons that they haven't hit their stride yet is because they have been stuck playing the most defensive sides in the draw. This team is built to excel against the best squads, but has a tendency to get stifled against lesser ones. Germany is a great team, but I think La Furia Roja will rise to the occasion and make their way into a mouthwatering final matchup with the Dutch.
Prediction:
Spain 2-1
Are we having fun yet!?
Keep it real.
Netherlands vs. Uruguay
I would have loved to be writing about how the courageous and precocious young Ghanaian team had beat the odds and became the first African team to make the semi-finals at a World Cup. Instead, after the most heartbreaking loss ive ever seen, the Uruguayans find themselves in the semis. I can't blame Suarez for doing what he did, most players would have, and it is devastating that Gyan missed the penalty, especially given how great he has been this tournament. However, it has definitely been in poor taste how much Suarez has been flaunting his "hand of god" save. Just put your head down, sit on the bench, and cheer on the team you put in the semifinals through an act of cheating. Its not right to shove it in Ghana's face by bragging about it over and over, especially when he wont even be playing in this game. I see little chance of them beating the Dutch, who can just focus on shutting down Forlan and playing their game. This Dutch team is incredible tough and talented, as well as being stronger mentally than any Dutch team ive ever seen. This team sees the end in sight and are playing like World Cup winners. In a lot of ways, they take the identity of their stalwart forward, Mr. Everything, Dirk Kuyt. They are a solid mix of skill, guile, and sheer will, just like the fisherman's son who never quits. They are better in every single facet of the game than their Guayan opponents, and will book a place in the final quite comfortably.
Prediction:
Holland 2-0
Spain vs. Germany
We really are running out of adjectives to describe this incredible German team. They've not only had the hardest road to the semis of any of the teams left, but theyve absolutely dismantled everything in their path since the group stages. They've gotten better and better as the tournament's progressed, and don't look like stopping now. Losing Muller will hurt, but while he has been great, this has been the consummate team effort from the Germans. The way they just completely took apart Argentina was unbelievable. It was an absolutely complete performance. However, although they haven't been even close to their best, Spain is not Argentina. Against Argentina, the Germans exploited the very individual nature of the Argentinians play and destroyed them on the counter-attack. Because Argentina attacked in such a random and unorganized manner, they were completely unequipped to deal with the German counterattack. Spain, on the other hand, is built to keep the ball, and will not be caught out that easily. Their strategy of playing both Busquets and Alonso, which stifled them so much against the lesser, more defensive teams, will now be an advantage for them, allowing them to win the second balls that the Germans thrive on, pinning Germany in their own half. I picked Spain to win from the beginning, and firmly believe that one of the biggest reasons that they haven't hit their stride yet is because they have been stuck playing the most defensive sides in the draw. This team is built to excel against the best squads, but has a tendency to get stifled against lesser ones. Germany is a great team, but I think La Furia Roja will rise to the occasion and make their way into a mouthwatering final matchup with the Dutch.
Prediction:
Spain 2-1
Are we having fun yet!?
Keep it real.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The (Mostly) Elite 8
Alright folks, now were really getting to gut-check time in this tournament, and almost in an almost unprecedented occurrence at a World Cup, the cream has risen to the top. The eight teams left in the tournament are all very deserving of being there, and the only teams that you could possibly say deserve to be in the final eight instead of any of the teams that made it, the US and Chile, both gave valiant efforts in their round of 16 teams but in end lost to teams that deserved to win. By this time at a World Cup there is usually a team that has played tough defensive football and scuffled their way into the quarterfinals by stifling more deserving competition. The fact that this didnt happen creates the potential for a classic end to the tournament. The potential for incredible matches, starting with a couple great ones in the quarters themselves, is staggering. You have teams that have great pedigree not just getting by on their reputations, but playing great football. On top of that, there is a real chance of an African team getting to the semi-finals, which would set the continent alight with excitement.
Without further ado, the quarterfinal preview:
Brazil vs. The Netherlands
This is a mouthwatering match-up of two countries that have given us the best attacking football over the years, but both seem to be much more organized this time around. Its wierdly ironic that a Germany Argentina match-up promises to be much more wide open than this game. That could all change however, if Holland can score an early goal. Brazil has managed to get by mostly on their laurels so far in this tournament, sitting back most of the game and then ripping their opponents apart when they see any opening. It has been scary how machine-like they have been. They have been like the Terminator (the scary original version from 1984, not the super friendly one from Judgment Day) of this tournament. The Dutch also have been mostly cruising through this tournament so far, winning four games in a row without really breaking a sweat. I would love these two teams to really let the shackles loose and go at each other like the two great heavyweights that they are. The fact that neither team has really let loose yet in this tournament or been challenged by quality competition makes this game extraordinarily hard to predict. Going by the tale of the tape, one would have to choose Brazil, because of how relentless they seem to be and how they are truly built to win. However, I rarely pick by logic, and as a mentioned at the beginning of the tournament, this entire season of football has seemed to have a very orange tint to it. This might just be the year of the Dutch.
Prediction:
Netherlands 3-2
Uruguay vs. Ghana
What had seemed like a miracle draw for the US turned into a tough quarterfinal match-up for two second-tier, but quite deserving teams. Uruguay has managed to plow their way through the tournament by playing quite well, but never great. Suarez finally woke up in the last round, which should make them tough to beat, but I dont see them getting past any of the top teams. However Ghana is not one of the top teams. What they are is an very young, incredibly athletic group of players who are starting to truly believe that they belong in this stage of the tournament. The way they didn't give up against the US when they gave up the penalty and looked like they were teetering was amazing. Instead of folding like many young teams would, they stepped right back up and dominated the rest of the game including extra time. With the young teams in this tournament, mainly Ghana and Germany, you just get the feeling that they dont even think about the potential of losing. Thats a championship quality, and I think the home-crowd advantage will send them into the semifinals and a date with destiny.
Prediction:
Ghana 2-1
Germany Vs. Argentina
Flash back four years ago, Quarterfinals of World Cup 2006 in Germany. The two most impressive teams so far in that tournament were facing off in what should have been a final matchup but instead due to random bracketing was coming in the quarterfinals. The two teams did not disappoint, going all out for 120 minutes before one team eked into the semifinals on penalty kicks, losing to an Italy team that fed off their mental exhaustion. The two teams that faced off that day in the quarterfinals? Germany and Argentina. Now its four years later and the two most impressive teams in the tournament so far are yet again Germany and Argentina. And yet again, through a seemingly simple twist of fate, they are meeting in the quarterfinals. Germany was relentless against a tired and unimaginative England side, whose disallowed goal in the first half would have just delayed the inevitable German buzzsaw. The Germans have had by far the best movement of any team in the tournament, and have just picked teams apart with their sharp runs and incisive passing. Argentina on the other hand is full of irrepressible creative talents that seem to have been let out of a cage like a swarm of angry bees by the one and only Diego Maradona. Both teams are breathtakingly ruthless attacking sides that break opponents down in very different ways. This game has a chance to be incredible, and I do not think it will disappoint. I expect a goalfest, with the Argentinians switching the script from four years ago.
Prediction:
Argentina 4-2
Spain vs. Paraguay
Spain showed great toughness and patience in slowing taking apart a very organized and resolute Portugal squad (since when did they become the new Italy?). They have chosen to stick with the three holding midfielders formation that is not overly effective against defensive teams. While I was against that tactic early in the tournament, I think it will help them in the later stages, when they play against the juggernaut attacking teams. Alonso and especially Busquets have been phenomenal at keeping the ball so far, and that will be very helpful in tighter games when holding onto the second ball becomes incredibly vital. I think that sticking with Torres is a good idea too, because against the better teams there will be much more space for him to move around in, something he really needs to thrive, especially without his finishing touch being there. However, this is another matchup they will have to stutter through on their way to facing the top teams in the tournament where their tactics will be vindicated. Yet another team that will play 10 behind the ball and try to beat Spain on counterattacks and set pieces (where they have actually been very dangerous) I am very confident the furia roja will be triumphant yet again, but I just hope they score earlier this time around so as to avoid stressing out their supporters so much.
Prediction:
Spain 2-0
See you in the semifinals everyone. Keep on enjoying what has been a phenomenal tournament!
Keep it real.
Without further ado, the quarterfinal preview:
Brazil vs. The Netherlands
This is a mouthwatering match-up of two countries that have given us the best attacking football over the years, but both seem to be much more organized this time around. Its wierdly ironic that a Germany Argentina match-up promises to be much more wide open than this game. That could all change however, if Holland can score an early goal. Brazil has managed to get by mostly on their laurels so far in this tournament, sitting back most of the game and then ripping their opponents apart when they see any opening. It has been scary how machine-like they have been. They have been like the Terminator (the scary original version from 1984, not the super friendly one from Judgment Day) of this tournament. The Dutch also have been mostly cruising through this tournament so far, winning four games in a row without really breaking a sweat. I would love these two teams to really let the shackles loose and go at each other like the two great heavyweights that they are. The fact that neither team has really let loose yet in this tournament or been challenged by quality competition makes this game extraordinarily hard to predict. Going by the tale of the tape, one would have to choose Brazil, because of how relentless they seem to be and how they are truly built to win. However, I rarely pick by logic, and as a mentioned at the beginning of the tournament, this entire season of football has seemed to have a very orange tint to it. This might just be the year of the Dutch.
Prediction:
Netherlands 3-2
Uruguay vs. Ghana
What had seemed like a miracle draw for the US turned into a tough quarterfinal match-up for two second-tier, but quite deserving teams. Uruguay has managed to plow their way through the tournament by playing quite well, but never great. Suarez finally woke up in the last round, which should make them tough to beat, but I dont see them getting past any of the top teams. However Ghana is not one of the top teams. What they are is an very young, incredibly athletic group of players who are starting to truly believe that they belong in this stage of the tournament. The way they didn't give up against the US when they gave up the penalty and looked like they were teetering was amazing. Instead of folding like many young teams would, they stepped right back up and dominated the rest of the game including extra time. With the young teams in this tournament, mainly Ghana and Germany, you just get the feeling that they dont even think about the potential of losing. Thats a championship quality, and I think the home-crowd advantage will send them into the semifinals and a date with destiny.
Prediction:
Ghana 2-1
Germany Vs. Argentina
Flash back four years ago, Quarterfinals of World Cup 2006 in Germany. The two most impressive teams so far in that tournament were facing off in what should have been a final matchup but instead due to random bracketing was coming in the quarterfinals. The two teams did not disappoint, going all out for 120 minutes before one team eked into the semifinals on penalty kicks, losing to an Italy team that fed off their mental exhaustion. The two teams that faced off that day in the quarterfinals? Germany and Argentina. Now its four years later and the two most impressive teams in the tournament so far are yet again Germany and Argentina. And yet again, through a seemingly simple twist of fate, they are meeting in the quarterfinals. Germany was relentless against a tired and unimaginative England side, whose disallowed goal in the first half would have just delayed the inevitable German buzzsaw. The Germans have had by far the best movement of any team in the tournament, and have just picked teams apart with their sharp runs and incisive passing. Argentina on the other hand is full of irrepressible creative talents that seem to have been let out of a cage like a swarm of angry bees by the one and only Diego Maradona. Both teams are breathtakingly ruthless attacking sides that break opponents down in very different ways. This game has a chance to be incredible, and I do not think it will disappoint. I expect a goalfest, with the Argentinians switching the script from four years ago.
Prediction:
Argentina 4-2
Spain vs. Paraguay
Spain showed great toughness and patience in slowing taking apart a very organized and resolute Portugal squad (since when did they become the new Italy?). They have chosen to stick with the three holding midfielders formation that is not overly effective against defensive teams. While I was against that tactic early in the tournament, I think it will help them in the later stages, when they play against the juggernaut attacking teams. Alonso and especially Busquets have been phenomenal at keeping the ball so far, and that will be very helpful in tighter games when holding onto the second ball becomes incredibly vital. I think that sticking with Torres is a good idea too, because against the better teams there will be much more space for him to move around in, something he really needs to thrive, especially without his finishing touch being there. However, this is another matchup they will have to stutter through on their way to facing the top teams in the tournament where their tactics will be vindicated. Yet another team that will play 10 behind the ball and try to beat Spain on counterattacks and set pieces (where they have actually been very dangerous) I am very confident the furia roja will be triumphant yet again, but I just hope they score earlier this time around so as to avoid stressing out their supporters so much.
Prediction:
Spain 2-0
See you in the semifinals everyone. Keep on enjoying what has been a phenomenal tournament!
Keep it real.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Round of 16ing it
Now thats more like it! After a slow start to the tournament, things have really turned around over the last couple of rounds of games. Positive football finally won out in the end, beating around Mourinho-ball like the terrible brand of football that it is. It was amazing to see Italy, the inventor and biggest perpetrator of ugly soccer, get their asses handed to them by all three teams in the group, falling to an immensely satisfying last place finish. I apologize for the lack of more analysis about the group stage, but I have a blinding headache and really want to get this Round of 16 preview in before its too late.
Uruguay vs. South Korea
This is an intriguing match that pits two teams that I personally didn't expect to make the second round against each other. Well here they are, and one of them will be in the quarterfinals this time tomorrow. They have both actually been playing great football, albeit in different styles. Uruguay have been exactly what I expected them to be, a solid defensive team that runs its entire offense through one player, Diego Forlan. Its hilarious seeing him take the free kicks, because I half expect him to run into the box and try to get on the end of them as well. Luckily, he has been phenomenal, which makes Uruguay quite effective. They will be very hard to break down, and will count on Forlan to make the magic happen. South Korea has been playing very efficient, positive football, and have been more solid defensively than I expected they would be. However, I think that Uruguay is a tougher team with the better player. South Korea just doesnt match up very well against Uruguay, and the South American teams have been on fire.
Prediction:
Uruguay 2-1
United States vs. Ghana
At first glance, it looks like the US lucked out immensely in its draw, and in a certain way that is true, but Ghana is a extremely athletic physical team that is actually similar to the US in a lot of ways. They both excel when they are bringing the game right to the opposition. I think that the US has to play in the all out, go-for-broke style that they played in the Algeria match, because although it makes them vulnerable on the break, its what makes them successful as a team. This team doesnt know how to play if it doesn't have its foot on the accelerator, so they shouldnt change now. They are also the fittest team in the tournament, which is what enables them to come up with magic at the end of games. They should use that to their advantage, and run teams into the ground. This game has potential to be great, if both teams choose to go after it.
Prediction:
US 3-2
Netherlands vs. Slovakia
The Netherlands finally started to turn it on in their third game, and I think that if Robben is fit, they will be a tough team to contend with moving forward. He is exactly what they had been missing in the first two matches of the tournament. They had been passing well, but with both Kuyt and Van der Vaart on the wings they just didnt have the width and thrust necessary to break down the more defensive squads. Slovakia will be a tough nut to crack and have been surprisingly dangerous going forward, but they will be overmatched against a dangerous and rising Dutch squad.
Prediction:
Holland 3-1
Brazil vs. Chile
This is an interesting matchup because Chile will not be cowed by Brazil, having played them many times over the years in South American qualifying. They have been fun to watch, and will certainly bring the game to the Brazilians, but after seeing them struggle mightily against Spain, I think Brazil will be a bit too much for them as well. Brazil has been playing better and better, but seem vulnerable defensively. They could struggle if caught out early on the break against a solid and organized squad, but Chile is not that squad. Should be entertaining though.
Prediction:
Brazil 4-1
Germany vs. England
The classic rivalry renewed! This could be exactly what the English team needs to finally wake themselves up in this tournament. They have been a listless side so far, other than good old Stevie G., who has been phenomenal so far. They seem to be labouring under the extreme pressure that befits an England squad at the World Cup. When watching this team, the one thing that strikes me is how little fun they are having. A theory I have about sports is that more often than not, the team that looks they are having more fun is usually the one that wins. They are just looser and more relaxed. The young German team fits that bill. They are playing like the young team that they are, with a verve and joy that comes with having nothing to lose. Mezut Ozil in particular has been a revelation, such a fun player to watch. This is an incredibly tough game to predict, but in the end, I will begrudgingly go with old reliable, the Germans in a tight one (Sorry Stevie G.)
Prediction: Germany 2-1
Argentina- Mexico
Another game that pits two similar teams against each other. A team that is filled with a decent but sometimes lackluster defense, with a phenomenal holding midfielder as a captain, playing behind a couple of great flair players who are trying to feed an old fashioned number 9. However, while Mexico are a servicable young side, Giovanni Dos Santos is no Lionel Messi, and Guillermo Franco is no Gonzalo Higuain. Argentina are playing with a looseness that I havent seen from them in a few years, which I attribute to the masterful coaching job of Diego Maradona. In taking the spotlight onto himself, he has lifted it from the shoulders of his young team, especially Messi, who has been great despite not scoring. He'll get his though, and Argentina will march on.
Prediction:
Argentina 3-1
Paraguay vs. Japan
This is the worst game of the second round, with two decent but lackluster teams matching up against each other. Paraguay won an awful group, with the favourites Italy looking as old as they have been for the past 3 years. They are decent, but no world-winners. Japan has been a big surprise, attacking with great flair and effectiveness. They seem to have been the only team to figure out the Jabulani ball. I see a free kick ball pushing them into the quarters/
Prediction:
Japan 1-0
Spain Vs. Portugal
While La Furia Roja have not come even close to playing to their full potential, here they are in the second round, narrowly avoiding a cataclysmic match up with Brazil. Portugal aint no slouch either, but Spain matches up pretty well against them, especially if Ronaldo decides to be a one-man band again like he was against Brazil. The problem with Spain so far has been tactical in my opinion. They have only played three real out and out attacking players in all three games, with Xavi having to masquerade as one despite really being a fulcrum holding player, unique in his ability to play defensive midfielder by never losing the ball. In this formation, they have three players, Xavi, Busquets, and Xabi Alonso, who are playing essentially the same position. And since Villa has been their only attacking player to really impress so far, with Iniesta and Torres still struggling to return to form after injury, they have three passing players trying to pick out one guy up top. And while they are three of the best passing players in the world, there is no unpredictability to an attack built that way. They need to sacrifice one of these three players for more of an attacking force, which will enable them to overwhelm teams as they did in the past. I think a focused Spain will take care of an industrious but overrated Portugal squad that struggles to score despite the 7 they scored against North Korea.
Prediction:
Spain 2-0
On to the knockout stages! Let the real fun begin!! And for all those who are not fans of the soccer, now is as great a time as any to embrace the Beautiful game!
Keep it real.
Uruguay vs. South Korea
This is an intriguing match that pits two teams that I personally didn't expect to make the second round against each other. Well here they are, and one of them will be in the quarterfinals this time tomorrow. They have both actually been playing great football, albeit in different styles. Uruguay have been exactly what I expected them to be, a solid defensive team that runs its entire offense through one player, Diego Forlan. Its hilarious seeing him take the free kicks, because I half expect him to run into the box and try to get on the end of them as well. Luckily, he has been phenomenal, which makes Uruguay quite effective. They will be very hard to break down, and will count on Forlan to make the magic happen. South Korea has been playing very efficient, positive football, and have been more solid defensively than I expected they would be. However, I think that Uruguay is a tougher team with the better player. South Korea just doesnt match up very well against Uruguay, and the South American teams have been on fire.
Prediction:
Uruguay 2-1
United States vs. Ghana
At first glance, it looks like the US lucked out immensely in its draw, and in a certain way that is true, but Ghana is a extremely athletic physical team that is actually similar to the US in a lot of ways. They both excel when they are bringing the game right to the opposition. I think that the US has to play in the all out, go-for-broke style that they played in the Algeria match, because although it makes them vulnerable on the break, its what makes them successful as a team. This team doesnt know how to play if it doesn't have its foot on the accelerator, so they shouldnt change now. They are also the fittest team in the tournament, which is what enables them to come up with magic at the end of games. They should use that to their advantage, and run teams into the ground. This game has potential to be great, if both teams choose to go after it.
Prediction:
US 3-2
Netherlands vs. Slovakia
The Netherlands finally started to turn it on in their third game, and I think that if Robben is fit, they will be a tough team to contend with moving forward. He is exactly what they had been missing in the first two matches of the tournament. They had been passing well, but with both Kuyt and Van der Vaart on the wings they just didnt have the width and thrust necessary to break down the more defensive squads. Slovakia will be a tough nut to crack and have been surprisingly dangerous going forward, but they will be overmatched against a dangerous and rising Dutch squad.
Prediction:
Holland 3-1
Brazil vs. Chile
This is an interesting matchup because Chile will not be cowed by Brazil, having played them many times over the years in South American qualifying. They have been fun to watch, and will certainly bring the game to the Brazilians, but after seeing them struggle mightily against Spain, I think Brazil will be a bit too much for them as well. Brazil has been playing better and better, but seem vulnerable defensively. They could struggle if caught out early on the break against a solid and organized squad, but Chile is not that squad. Should be entertaining though.
Prediction:
Brazil 4-1
Germany vs. England
The classic rivalry renewed! This could be exactly what the English team needs to finally wake themselves up in this tournament. They have been a listless side so far, other than good old Stevie G., who has been phenomenal so far. They seem to be labouring under the extreme pressure that befits an England squad at the World Cup. When watching this team, the one thing that strikes me is how little fun they are having. A theory I have about sports is that more often than not, the team that looks they are having more fun is usually the one that wins. They are just looser and more relaxed. The young German team fits that bill. They are playing like the young team that they are, with a verve and joy that comes with having nothing to lose. Mezut Ozil in particular has been a revelation, such a fun player to watch. This is an incredibly tough game to predict, but in the end, I will begrudgingly go with old reliable, the Germans in a tight one (Sorry Stevie G.)
Prediction: Germany 2-1
Argentina- Mexico
Another game that pits two similar teams against each other. A team that is filled with a decent but sometimes lackluster defense, with a phenomenal holding midfielder as a captain, playing behind a couple of great flair players who are trying to feed an old fashioned number 9. However, while Mexico are a servicable young side, Giovanni Dos Santos is no Lionel Messi, and Guillermo Franco is no Gonzalo Higuain. Argentina are playing with a looseness that I havent seen from them in a few years, which I attribute to the masterful coaching job of Diego Maradona. In taking the spotlight onto himself, he has lifted it from the shoulders of his young team, especially Messi, who has been great despite not scoring. He'll get his though, and Argentina will march on.
Prediction:
Argentina 3-1
Paraguay vs. Japan
This is the worst game of the second round, with two decent but lackluster teams matching up against each other. Paraguay won an awful group, with the favourites Italy looking as old as they have been for the past 3 years. They are decent, but no world-winners. Japan has been a big surprise, attacking with great flair and effectiveness. They seem to have been the only team to figure out the Jabulani ball. I see a free kick ball pushing them into the quarters/
Prediction:
Japan 1-0
Spain Vs. Portugal
While La Furia Roja have not come even close to playing to their full potential, here they are in the second round, narrowly avoiding a cataclysmic match up with Brazil. Portugal aint no slouch either, but Spain matches up pretty well against them, especially if Ronaldo decides to be a one-man band again like he was against Brazil. The problem with Spain so far has been tactical in my opinion. They have only played three real out and out attacking players in all three games, with Xavi having to masquerade as one despite really being a fulcrum holding player, unique in his ability to play defensive midfielder by never losing the ball. In this formation, they have three players, Xavi, Busquets, and Xabi Alonso, who are playing essentially the same position. And since Villa has been their only attacking player to really impress so far, with Iniesta and Torres still struggling to return to form after injury, they have three passing players trying to pick out one guy up top. And while they are three of the best passing players in the world, there is no unpredictability to an attack built that way. They need to sacrifice one of these three players for more of an attacking force, which will enable them to overwhelm teams as they did in the past. I think a focused Spain will take care of an industrious but overrated Portugal squad that struggles to score despite the 7 they scored against North Korea.
Prediction:
Spain 2-0
On to the knockout stages! Let the real fun begin!! And for all those who are not fans of the soccer, now is as great a time as any to embrace the Beautiful game!
Keep it real.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Week 1 Recap
Week 1 of the World Cup is over, and although my World Cup fever hasnt tempered at all (Ive watched every single game so far, and dont plan to miss one over the next three weeks), it has been largely underwhelming. There have been some good spots, but overall, the play has been very cagey and without much flair. When teams have gotten forward, the shooting and crossing have been horrendous. After hours and hours of deep thought, I have come up with three factors that have really hurt this World Cup so far:
1. Jose Mourinho
His fingerprints were all over the tactics for many of the teams over the first week of the tournament. His teams make a living playing a very organized defensive game, waiting for the other team to overextend themselves and then pouncing on the counterattack. This is a quite successful formula, but it is awful to watch, and does not lead to many goals. In too many games in the tournament so far, both teams have played this way, leading to a cat and mouse game where both teams try to draw the other one out where most of the play is in the middle of the field. When teams have been able to counterattack, the shooting and crossing have been awful, leading to my second factor.
2. The Jabulani
There has been an absurd amount of complaining about this ball over the last couple of weeks, and I have mostly thought that it was just overblown, and that the players should just play, because everyone has to use it. However, after watching every game so far over the first week, I have come to the conclusion that this ball really has affected play. It seems to sail very easily on shots, and is not easy to curl at all. I have seen far to many poor crosses and terrible shots from great players to overlook the ball any longer. However, the good news is that once the players have gotten used to the ball, these things should change. I have already seen in the second round of games much better play on the ball, and the Germans, who played with the ball in their home league for much of the last season, had by far the most success with the ball in the first game.
3. The Winter
It has been a very long time since weve had a winter World Cup, and it seems clear that the players are struggling to get used to the combination of cold weather and high elevation that the games are being played at.
The good news is that all three of these things should be remedied over the course of the tournament. I truly believe that most of the teams that are playing negative football will be weeded out, and that true quality will win out in the end. I think the ball will be less of a factor as the players get used to it, and the same should be true of the weather as well. There has already been far more goals in the first two days of the second round of games than there were in the first two days of the tournament, and I think this will continue to be the case.
Looking back on my predictions, I was correct in predicting that the European teams would struggle at this tournament, but I was wrong in predicting that the African teams would be triumphant in their stead. In actuality, it has been the South American teams that have been on fire over the first week of the tournament, going undefeated so far, and looking quite impressive. However, the best team that I have seen so far has been Germany, who were ruthlessly efficient as always, and added a little flair. Argentina were quite impressive in their second game, and look to be tourney favorites as well. Brazil and the Netherlands took a while to get into their games, but eked out wins, and should do better when they play with more urgency.
That brings me to the US-England game and then whats wrong with Spain. I thought the US England game was a very cagey affair, with both teams playing very physical and not wanting to push too far forward. The US played a very solid game, and got exactly what they came for. In their next two games, they will have to push the issue a little bit more and play with a little more flair, but they did what was necessary against a more talented England team.
England on the other hand were quite disappointing as always. They continue to play very slow paced ponderous football, never really attacking with any real intent or fervor. They just have very little self-belief, and until they develop that real swagger that separates champions from quarterfinalists, they will never be successful. They might not be the most talented team in the tournament, but they have enough firepower to go far, just not enough arrogance unity.
Spain, on the other-hand, have all of these things, but they chose not to show up for the World Cup until the 60th minute of their first game, and by then it was too late. It is a good sign that a half-asleep Spain side can still absolutely dominate a game, but they will have to really step their game up if they are to be successful at this tournament. I still think they have it in them, but yesterday was definitely not a good start.
Looking forward to the second set of games really igniting this tournament to the fever pitch that it deserves.
Keep it real
1. Jose Mourinho
His fingerprints were all over the tactics for many of the teams over the first week of the tournament. His teams make a living playing a very organized defensive game, waiting for the other team to overextend themselves and then pouncing on the counterattack. This is a quite successful formula, but it is awful to watch, and does not lead to many goals. In too many games in the tournament so far, both teams have played this way, leading to a cat and mouse game where both teams try to draw the other one out where most of the play is in the middle of the field. When teams have been able to counterattack, the shooting and crossing have been awful, leading to my second factor.
2. The Jabulani
There has been an absurd amount of complaining about this ball over the last couple of weeks, and I have mostly thought that it was just overblown, and that the players should just play, because everyone has to use it. However, after watching every game so far over the first week, I have come to the conclusion that this ball really has affected play. It seems to sail very easily on shots, and is not easy to curl at all. I have seen far to many poor crosses and terrible shots from great players to overlook the ball any longer. However, the good news is that once the players have gotten used to the ball, these things should change. I have already seen in the second round of games much better play on the ball, and the Germans, who played with the ball in their home league for much of the last season, had by far the most success with the ball in the first game.
3. The Winter
It has been a very long time since weve had a winter World Cup, and it seems clear that the players are struggling to get used to the combination of cold weather and high elevation that the games are being played at.
The good news is that all three of these things should be remedied over the course of the tournament. I truly believe that most of the teams that are playing negative football will be weeded out, and that true quality will win out in the end. I think the ball will be less of a factor as the players get used to it, and the same should be true of the weather as well. There has already been far more goals in the first two days of the second round of games than there were in the first two days of the tournament, and I think this will continue to be the case.
Looking back on my predictions, I was correct in predicting that the European teams would struggle at this tournament, but I was wrong in predicting that the African teams would be triumphant in their stead. In actuality, it has been the South American teams that have been on fire over the first week of the tournament, going undefeated so far, and looking quite impressive. However, the best team that I have seen so far has been Germany, who were ruthlessly efficient as always, and added a little flair. Argentina were quite impressive in their second game, and look to be tourney favorites as well. Brazil and the Netherlands took a while to get into their games, but eked out wins, and should do better when they play with more urgency.
That brings me to the US-England game and then whats wrong with Spain. I thought the US England game was a very cagey affair, with both teams playing very physical and not wanting to push too far forward. The US played a very solid game, and got exactly what they came for. In their next two games, they will have to push the issue a little bit more and play with a little more flair, but they did what was necessary against a more talented England team.
England on the other hand were quite disappointing as always. They continue to play very slow paced ponderous football, never really attacking with any real intent or fervor. They just have very little self-belief, and until they develop that real swagger that separates champions from quarterfinalists, they will never be successful. They might not be the most talented team in the tournament, but they have enough firepower to go far, just not enough arrogance unity.
Spain, on the other-hand, have all of these things, but they chose not to show up for the World Cup until the 60th minute of their first game, and by then it was too late. It is a good sign that a half-asleep Spain side can still absolutely dominate a game, but they will have to really step their game up if they are to be successful at this tournament. I still think they have it in them, but yesterday was definitely not a good start.
Looking forward to the second set of games really igniting this tournament to the fever pitch that it deserves.
Keep it real
Friday, June 11, 2010
World Cup Preview Pt. 2
Welcome back for part 2 of the preview to the greatest sporting event of them all! Day 1 was an exhilarating experience, even if the second match wasn't all that great. Everything lived up to its billing, from a dancing Archbishop to the extraordinary absurdity of watching a match with 30,000 people blowing on plastic horns. I loved that South Africa got the first goal of the tournament, especially in such a fitting way for the beautiful game. A wonder goal to start a wonderful tournament.
Getting back to what everyone is waiting for, the preview itself...
Group E
This group should be a breeze for the Netherlands, who I think are a very good dark horse bet to win the tournament. They have about as much top-level attacking talent as any team in the tournament, along with a tried and tested total football system that wears down opponents. Teams that play a certain style year after year are always successful because they never have to be the team reacting to another style of play. This continuity allows for generations to be bridged quite seamlessly. Thanks to Johan Cruyff and the Dutch geniuses of the 1970s, Holland fits in this category. They are in my opinion the best team never to win a world cup. I dont know if that will change this year, but it does seem to have been the year of the Dutch, with Sneijder and Robben carrying their teams to the Champions League final.
There is not much to say about the other teams in the group. Cameroon have a great striker in Samuel Eto'o, and are very athletic, but dont look like much more than a round of 16 team. And Denmark and Japan are both pretty boring teams who would be lucky to get out of the group, although Denmark has a knack for swimming well above level in these tournaments.
Prediction
1.Netherlands
2. Cameroon
3. Denmark
4. Japan
Group F
This is far and away the worst group in the entire tournament, and not only because it has my least favourite team in the whole world, Italy. New Zealand and Slovakia are both just lucky to be here, and Paraguay is a very mediocre, albeit tough, South American squad. And then there is Italy, or as I like to call them, the black hole of the beautiful game. They win by neutralizing any attacking flair that the opposing team has, wearing the game down into a war of attrition in which they thrive. They go against everything that I love about this game, the incredible room for improvisation and vision. This years version of the team is virtually unchanged from the last World Cup, which would seem to be great considering they won last time, but then one must realize that its 4 years later. Italy's team was considered old four years ago and they used that all the years of experience to will themselves to a championship despite rarely impressing on the field. This year they are just plain old, and in any other group would probably crash and burn. However, they lucked out with garbage group F, and will somehow carry on their terrible version of soccer into the second round, where sadly, anything can happen.
Prediction
1. Italy
2. Paraguay
3. Slovakia
4. New Zealand
Group G
This would be the Group of Death, but its very clear that one team has no chance of advancing, obviously Brazil. I jest, but seriously, North Korea stands out in this group and should guarantee the other 3 teams one victory, which in a true group of death should not happen. I am not a fan of any of the teams in this group, although I am rooting very hard for the Ivory Coast, who are the class of the African teams at this World Cup. I was devastated when I saw that Didier Drogba, the best African player of his generation, a player with a chance to carry a whole continent on his shoulders with a legendary performance at this tournament, had broken his arm. I usually dont like Drogba, but he has worked for years to earn the right to represent his country at the first World Cup on African soil, and it would have been awful to see him lose that chance. I hope he is able to recover and play. I think that if Drogba is healthy, the Ivory Coast will be an incredibly tough team to beat, and could definitely win this group. Brazil is the best team here, but i am not totally sold on this year's group as true champions. Im not sure if they have the right combination of flair and form that the great Brazilian champions of the past have had. Portugal has really not been very good this year, and if Ronaldo tries to win the tournament by himself like he does for Madrid, hes going to be in for a tough time. Im going to enjoy seeing him sulk to an early exit.
Prediction
1. Brazil
2. Ivory Coast
3. Portugal
4. North Korea
Group H
Finally the group that I have been waiting for. Spain is clearly the favorite in this group, and before I get to them, I want to briefly discuss the other three teams. Chile is kind of like a homeless-mans version of Spain, playing a very open uptempo game with about 10% of the talent that Spain has (definitely not an insult). Honduras also plays a very wide-open style, and will be buzzing after having qualified for the World Cup due to a stoppage time goal in another game on the last day of qualifying. Switzerland plays exactly like one would think a Swiss team would play, in a very mediocre, neutral style.
And now on to Spain, in my opinion the best national side of my lifetime. They have so much talent that not only could a team of their substitutes be very competitive in this tournament, but if one made a starting 11 of Spanish players that didn't even make the World Cup, they would probably make it out of the group stage. However, Spain has always had great talent, but before 2008, they never had come together as a team and brought a self-belief to the table. Now they not only have by far the most talent they have ever had, but they play with a swagger that has been non-existent among Spanish sides in the past. They bring the game to new levels of beauty with their quick passing and improvisatory style of play. You know that it is going to be a great tournament when the best team is also by far the most fun to watch. And although a World Cup victory is not a guarantee, as the best team definitely does not always win, Spain is clearly the best team in this tournament, and at their best, can elevate the game to awe-inspiring heights.
Prediction
1. Spain
2. Chile
3. Honduras
4. Switzerland
Over the next month, this blog will be filled with posts on the Beautiful game, including an ode to soccer that explains my all-encompassing lover for this sport. Stay tuned...
Keep it real.
Getting back to what everyone is waiting for, the preview itself...
Group E
This group should be a breeze for the Netherlands, who I think are a very good dark horse bet to win the tournament. They have about as much top-level attacking talent as any team in the tournament, along with a tried and tested total football system that wears down opponents. Teams that play a certain style year after year are always successful because they never have to be the team reacting to another style of play. This continuity allows for generations to be bridged quite seamlessly. Thanks to Johan Cruyff and the Dutch geniuses of the 1970s, Holland fits in this category. They are in my opinion the best team never to win a world cup. I dont know if that will change this year, but it does seem to have been the year of the Dutch, with Sneijder and Robben carrying their teams to the Champions League final.
There is not much to say about the other teams in the group. Cameroon have a great striker in Samuel Eto'o, and are very athletic, but dont look like much more than a round of 16 team. And Denmark and Japan are both pretty boring teams who would be lucky to get out of the group, although Denmark has a knack for swimming well above level in these tournaments.
Prediction
1.Netherlands
2. Cameroon
3. Denmark
4. Japan
Group F
This is far and away the worst group in the entire tournament, and not only because it has my least favourite team in the whole world, Italy. New Zealand and Slovakia are both just lucky to be here, and Paraguay is a very mediocre, albeit tough, South American squad. And then there is Italy, or as I like to call them, the black hole of the beautiful game. They win by neutralizing any attacking flair that the opposing team has, wearing the game down into a war of attrition in which they thrive. They go against everything that I love about this game, the incredible room for improvisation and vision. This years version of the team is virtually unchanged from the last World Cup, which would seem to be great considering they won last time, but then one must realize that its 4 years later. Italy's team was considered old four years ago and they used that all the years of experience to will themselves to a championship despite rarely impressing on the field. This year they are just plain old, and in any other group would probably crash and burn. However, they lucked out with garbage group F, and will somehow carry on their terrible version of soccer into the second round, where sadly, anything can happen.
Prediction
1. Italy
2. Paraguay
3. Slovakia
4. New Zealand
Group G
This would be the Group of Death, but its very clear that one team has no chance of advancing, obviously Brazil. I jest, but seriously, North Korea stands out in this group and should guarantee the other 3 teams one victory, which in a true group of death should not happen. I am not a fan of any of the teams in this group, although I am rooting very hard for the Ivory Coast, who are the class of the African teams at this World Cup. I was devastated when I saw that Didier Drogba, the best African player of his generation, a player with a chance to carry a whole continent on his shoulders with a legendary performance at this tournament, had broken his arm. I usually dont like Drogba, but he has worked for years to earn the right to represent his country at the first World Cup on African soil, and it would have been awful to see him lose that chance. I hope he is able to recover and play. I think that if Drogba is healthy, the Ivory Coast will be an incredibly tough team to beat, and could definitely win this group. Brazil is the best team here, but i am not totally sold on this year's group as true champions. Im not sure if they have the right combination of flair and form that the great Brazilian champions of the past have had. Portugal has really not been very good this year, and if Ronaldo tries to win the tournament by himself like he does for Madrid, hes going to be in for a tough time. Im going to enjoy seeing him sulk to an early exit.
Prediction
1. Brazil
2. Ivory Coast
3. Portugal
4. North Korea
Group H
Finally the group that I have been waiting for. Spain is clearly the favorite in this group, and before I get to them, I want to briefly discuss the other three teams. Chile is kind of like a homeless-mans version of Spain, playing a very open uptempo game with about 10% of the talent that Spain has (definitely not an insult). Honduras also plays a very wide-open style, and will be buzzing after having qualified for the World Cup due to a stoppage time goal in another game on the last day of qualifying. Switzerland plays exactly like one would think a Swiss team would play, in a very mediocre, neutral style.
And now on to Spain, in my opinion the best national side of my lifetime. They have so much talent that not only could a team of their substitutes be very competitive in this tournament, but if one made a starting 11 of Spanish players that didn't even make the World Cup, they would probably make it out of the group stage. However, Spain has always had great talent, but before 2008, they never had come together as a team and brought a self-belief to the table. Now they not only have by far the most talent they have ever had, but they play with a swagger that has been non-existent among Spanish sides in the past. They bring the game to new levels of beauty with their quick passing and improvisatory style of play. You know that it is going to be a great tournament when the best team is also by far the most fun to watch. And although a World Cup victory is not a guarantee, as the best team definitely does not always win, Spain is clearly the best team in this tournament, and at their best, can elevate the game to awe-inspiring heights.
Prediction
1. Spain
2. Chile
3. Honduras
4. Switzerland
Over the next month, this blog will be filled with posts on the Beautiful game, including an ode to soccer that explains my all-encompassing lover for this sport. Stay tuned...
Keep it real.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
World Cup Preview Pt. 1
In an amazing coincidence, the beginning of this blog just happens to coincide with the greatest sporting event on Earth, the World Cup. This blog will be an amalgam of my thoughts, just basically how im feeling at the time of writing. And right now, all im thinking about is the World Cup. For the past two weeks, about 4-5 times a day, ill have gotten chills down my spine with sheer excitement for this tournament.
The World Cup is incredible because it brings together the greatest players in the world and has them battle it out over the course of a month. What makes it unique is not only the great collection of talent that is on display, but the condensed nature of the tournament itself. It is basically like the NCAA Tournament multiplied by 100, with the whole world involved.
Anyway, because I am not feeling very eloquent tonight, Im going to jump right into a group-by-group preview of the tournament, starting with good old Group A
Group A
Mexico
South Africa
Uruguay
France
This is one of the most evenly matched groups, and one of the hardest ones to predict. There is no clear cut favorite in this group, meaning that really anything can happen. I think that Mexico is the best team in the group, and they have a knack for getting into the round of 16, but most of their top-level talent is very young and could struggle with the atmosphere, especially with the hosts in their group. In any other year, South Africa would not have the quality to make it out of the group stages, but the hosts always make it to the knockout stages, even in 2002 when both Japan and South Korea surpassed everybody's wildest expectations. Uruguay is a tough South American team with two of the best strikers in the whole tournament, and France has great talent (Franck Ribery is definitely a player to watch in this tournament), but an awful coach.
Predicted Finish
1. Mexico
2. South Africa
3. Uruguay
4. France
Group B
This is a much easier group to predict because there is a very clear cut best team in Argentina. They have the most talent in the entire tournament outside of Spain, as well as having the best player in the whole world in Lionel Messi, a once-in-a-generation player who occasionally brought me to tears with his exploits with Barcelona this year. I think that he is going to have a great tournament and I think that Argentina are going to be there right until the end. All the fuss about Maradona and whether he is going to cause the team to meltdown is overblown, because I dont think the manager has that much of an effect on the international level. This is a veteran team with great players who know how to win. They won the Olympic title in 2008 and were one of the two best teams in 2006 along with Germany, and I think that they will be near the top again this year.
The other teams in the group are all very mediocre, and whoever gets second in the group will not win a game in the second round. Greece is an awful team that plays a despicably boring brand of soccer, like Italy without any offensive talent. South Korea is a decent team that actually plays pretty wide-open, but is too far away from home to do much in South Africa. That leaves Nigeria, a team that has a history of success at the international level. This is not the best team they have sent to a World Cup, but because of the home-continent advantage, they should have enough to make it to the second round.
Predicted Finish
1. Argentina
2. Nigeria
3. South Korea
4. Greece
Group C
This is the group that everyone is talking about, with England and the US. However, they are clearly the two best teams in the group, so it should be a battle for who gets the top spot. England have a great shot to do well at this tournament, with the older guys still playing at world-class level, and the younger guys just starting to reach their potential. I think that if Rooney can replicate his ridiculous club form and England can develop a better self-belief than they have had in past tournaments, they could go far. I also think this is the best team the US has ever sent to a World Cup. They also have an incredible self-belief that their quality of play doesnt always match. The key to the US will be whether they take the game to their opponents. If they bring it right down the throats of the other team, they can do great. But if they show their opponents too much respect and try to methodically win games, they will be heading for an early exit.
Predicted Finish
1. England
2. USA
3. Algeria
4. Slovenia
Group D
This could be the best group from top-to-bottom, even if it doesnt have to top quality talent that Group H has. I think that even though Germany has a weaker team than they have had in the past, they still are dangerous and just know how to win. Australia has a quality team and plays with the swagger of a winner. Serbia might be the best team in this group, but im not sure if they have enough of a World Cup pedigree to win on a foreign continent. Ghana would have been a favorite in this group, but now that Michael Essien is out for the tournament, Im not sure if they have enough strength in the center of midfield to make it out of the group.
Predicted Finish
1. Germany
2. Ghana
3. Australia
4. Serbia
This will be continued with the rest of the Group Preview and my choice for the overall winner tomorrow.
Keep it Real
The World Cup is incredible because it brings together the greatest players in the world and has them battle it out over the course of a month. What makes it unique is not only the great collection of talent that is on display, but the condensed nature of the tournament itself. It is basically like the NCAA Tournament multiplied by 100, with the whole world involved.
Anyway, because I am not feeling very eloquent tonight, Im going to jump right into a group-by-group preview of the tournament, starting with good old Group A
Group A
Mexico
South Africa
Uruguay
France
This is one of the most evenly matched groups, and one of the hardest ones to predict. There is no clear cut favorite in this group, meaning that really anything can happen. I think that Mexico is the best team in the group, and they have a knack for getting into the round of 16, but most of their top-level talent is very young and could struggle with the atmosphere, especially with the hosts in their group. In any other year, South Africa would not have the quality to make it out of the group stages, but the hosts always make it to the knockout stages, even in 2002 when both Japan and South Korea surpassed everybody's wildest expectations. Uruguay is a tough South American team with two of the best strikers in the whole tournament, and France has great talent (Franck Ribery is definitely a player to watch in this tournament), but an awful coach.
Predicted Finish
1. Mexico
2. South Africa
3. Uruguay
4. France
Group B
This is a much easier group to predict because there is a very clear cut best team in Argentina. They have the most talent in the entire tournament outside of Spain, as well as having the best player in the whole world in Lionel Messi, a once-in-a-generation player who occasionally brought me to tears with his exploits with Barcelona this year. I think that he is going to have a great tournament and I think that Argentina are going to be there right until the end. All the fuss about Maradona and whether he is going to cause the team to meltdown is overblown, because I dont think the manager has that much of an effect on the international level. This is a veteran team with great players who know how to win. They won the Olympic title in 2008 and were one of the two best teams in 2006 along with Germany, and I think that they will be near the top again this year.
The other teams in the group are all very mediocre, and whoever gets second in the group will not win a game in the second round. Greece is an awful team that plays a despicably boring brand of soccer, like Italy without any offensive talent. South Korea is a decent team that actually plays pretty wide-open, but is too far away from home to do much in South Africa. That leaves Nigeria, a team that has a history of success at the international level. This is not the best team they have sent to a World Cup, but because of the home-continent advantage, they should have enough to make it to the second round.
Predicted Finish
1. Argentina
2. Nigeria
3. South Korea
4. Greece
Group C
This is the group that everyone is talking about, with England and the US. However, they are clearly the two best teams in the group, so it should be a battle for who gets the top spot. England have a great shot to do well at this tournament, with the older guys still playing at world-class level, and the younger guys just starting to reach their potential. I think that if Rooney can replicate his ridiculous club form and England can develop a better self-belief than they have had in past tournaments, they could go far. I also think this is the best team the US has ever sent to a World Cup. They also have an incredible self-belief that their quality of play doesnt always match. The key to the US will be whether they take the game to their opponents. If they bring it right down the throats of the other team, they can do great. But if they show their opponents too much respect and try to methodically win games, they will be heading for an early exit.
Predicted Finish
1. England
2. USA
3. Algeria
4. Slovenia
Group D
This could be the best group from top-to-bottom, even if it doesnt have to top quality talent that Group H has. I think that even though Germany has a weaker team than they have had in the past, they still are dangerous and just know how to win. Australia has a quality team and plays with the swagger of a winner. Serbia might be the best team in this group, but im not sure if they have enough of a World Cup pedigree to win on a foreign continent. Ghana would have been a favorite in this group, but now that Michael Essien is out for the tournament, Im not sure if they have enough strength in the center of midfield to make it out of the group.
Predicted Finish
1. Germany
2. Ghana
3. Australia
4. Serbia
This will be continued with the rest of the Group Preview and my choice for the overall winner tomorrow.
Keep it Real
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)