World Cup – Day 2
The second day of the world cup in South Africa proved to be an exciting one, with 270 minutes of football involving some potential champions, and some individual performances that will leave many scratching their heads. Things kicked off at 12:30pm, with South Korea vs. Greece. Many pundits have predicted that neither of these two teams will make it past the group stage, and after this display, it seems they have a case.
Korea ran out comfortable winners, the match ending with a 2-0 score line. It was plain sailing for the Koreans for much of the match, taking the lead as they did in the first ten minutes, with a neat finish from a corner on seven minutes from Jung-Soo Lee. The Greek team looked strangely lethargic by way of comparison and it was hard to fathom how a team who had gone through so much to reach the finals could have performed so poorly in their opening game. After the second goal by Ji-sung Park, Korea retreated, and allowed Greece time on the ball. It was a strategy that almost proved disastrous, as Greece had more chances in the last twenty minutes of the game that in the rest of the match. In the end though, they couldn’t take any of these chances, and the game finished with a comfortable 2-0 score line in favour of the Koreans.
Next up was the hotly anticipated match between Argentina and Nigeria. Much of the pre match attention naturally focussed on Diego Maradona, who has been nothing short of entertaining in the lead up to the finals. Bizarrely, he opted to play Newcastle’s left winger Jonas Gutierrez at right full back, and Argentina were almost made to pay the price. On numerous occasions, play passed Gutierrez by as he came to terms playing in such an unfamiliar position, and Argentina were lucky not to be punished as a result.
Disappointingly, the only goal of a game that Argentina dominated, arrived in the fifth minute. A powerful diving header from Gabriel Heinze proved the difference between the sides, though in truth the gap could have been significantly wider. Having taken the lead, Argentina pushed on, only to waste a hatful of chances that came their way. Indeed, Nigeria were unlucky not to have equalised on the break, creating chances on numerous occasions. Argentina are likely to progress through this group comfortably, but look shaky in defence. It’s likely that higher quality teams might punish this weakness further on in the tournament.
The day finished with the much hyped game between the USA and England. Unfortunately though, it proved to be a relatively dull affair, and will be remembered solely for a horrific mistake by England goalkeeper Robert Green. England had taken the lead within 5 minutes, Gerrard slotting home after a smooth exchange of passes between himself and Heskey. By the half hour mark though, things had changed drastically, with Green inexplicably spilling a timid, long range effort from Clint Dempsey into his own net. After the match, many of the England players attempted to deflect criticism from Green, claiming the unpredictable World Cup ball was to blame. In truth though, it was a lack of concentration from the England goalkeeper that had cost England the lead, and they never truly recovered thereafter.
Much of the match involved long punts up field from Robert Green to Emile Heskey, which didn’t make for pleasant viewing. The game generally bypassed the midfield, which must have worked to England’s disadvantage, given the quality players at their disposal. In the end, a draw seemed a fair result, with chances to win the match falling to both sides. Jozy Altidore clipped the post having comfortably beaten Jamie Carragher for pace, while Heskey fired straight at Tim Howard, having been played clean through on goal. It was a slightly disappointing end to a generally entertaining day of football, but it was hard to argue with the result.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
World Cup Kick-Off Looms
World Cup Kick-Off Looms
For those of you that don’t know, the World Cup kicks-off tomorrow for the first time be on African soil. Thirty-two countries will battle it out over the course of the next month to become World champions. Seven games are all that stands between each team and achieving that goal. First up is the group stage, and here we look at what is likely to pan out over the course of the next two weeks, as well as some predictions of who is likely to progress from each group. Regardless of the outcome, it promises to be an exciting tournament for all concerned.
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Aside from France, the countries in this group will be largely unknown entities to European viewers. There are few familiar names to contend with, the more noticeable being Uruguay’s ex-Manchester United and current Atletico Madrid star Diego Forlan, and Everton’s combative South African midfielder Stephen Pienaar.
The majority of viewers will be hoping that South Africa progress to the next stage, as if they don’t, they will become the first host country not to do so. The other countries are going to provide a stern test though. While the majority of those viewers in Ireland will be hoping for three French defeats, the harsh reality is that they should prove too strong for the opposition in this group. In any case, the group is sure to provide an exciting opening day to the tournament.
Prediction: France, Mexico
Group B: Korea, Greece, Argentina, Nigeria
Undoubtedly the biggest talking point of this group is what impact the brilliant but flawed genius of Maradona will have on the ability of Argentina to lift the trophy for a third time. The Argentina manager has already made a host of controversial decisions before the tournament has even begun, leaving out Champions League winners Javier Zanetti and Estaban Cambiasso altogether from his final squad. He also has a less than perfect relationship with star player Lionel Messi, the latter reportedly unhappy with Maradona’s relatively hands-on approach to management.
Elsewhere in the group, second place is tough to call. Korea Republic qualified comfortably, but are likely to struggle in any physical encounters, while former European champions Greece barely sneaked past an average Ukraine side in November’s now infamous set of European play-offs. Nigeria have the experience of Portsmouth striker Kanu to count on up front, but will need more than that to carry them through to the round of sixteen.
Prediction: Argentina, Korea
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Nobody is giving Algeria or Slovenia a prayer in this group, and it is easy to see why in Algeria’s case. A three-nil friendly defeat to Ireland last month at the RDS did little to dispel the theory that Algeria would be the whipping boys of the tournament. In Slovenia’s case however, the pessimism is less easily understood. While they are a small enough country, they did manage to overcome Russia in the play-offs and should provide a stern test for the much fancied England and USA teams.
Fabio Capello’s men really should not have any difficulty in progressing though. If they do, it will be of their own making. Their squad is simply too strong to encounter any slip-ups here. Similarly, it will be a surprise if the USA fail to make it through, with a team littered with premiership stars such as Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. It’s difficult to see past these two sailing through.
Prediction: England, USA
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
A significant amount of appeal has been lost from this group on account of unfortunate injuries to two of the star players. Ghanaian captain Michael Essien is out of the tournament, recovering from a knee injury, while German captain Michael Ballack suffered an unfortunate injury in the FA cup final. Had the two been fit, this group would have been a lot easier to call, but now it seems like being a much tighter affair.
Ghana are likely to miss their talismanic captain more than Germany, with nobody of any real quality left to fill the void left by Essien’s departure. Australia are also a decent side. They qualified very comfortably, this time around from the Asian qualifying zone, and are a solid unit. Only last year they came to Dublin and beat Ireland three-nil in a friendly match. Serbia topped their group in qualifying ahead of France, but have been in dreadful form in recent warm-up games.
Prediction: Germany, Australia
Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Netherlands arguably had the easiest route to qualification of any team, bar South Africa. They sailed comfortably through a group containing Norway and Scotland, and it is hard to see a different result here. Household names like Robin Van Persie, a fit again Arjen Robben, and Champions League winner Wesley Sneijder should see them through without a hitch.
With regards to second place, it looks like being a tight contest between Japan and Denmark. Denmark came through a tough group in qualifying, overcoming both Portugal and Sweden, while Japan recently showed in a friendly against England that they will be no pushovers. Cameroon appear to be one of the weaker sides in the tournament, and really look like struggling. Second place is likely to come down to a winner takes all meeting between Denmark and Japan in Rustenburg on the 24th of June.
Prediction: Netherlands, Japan
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Irish viewers will be interested in this group for a number of reasons. Firstly, we have Italy, the defending champions, who overcame Trappatoni’s men in qualifying. With Marcello Lippi in charge once more, they are a force to be reckoned with, but it is difficult to see them lifting the trophy again, considering the ageing line-up that they possess. Key playmaker Andrei Pirlo is also a doubt for the tournament.
Slovakia have been drawn in the same group as Ireland in qualification for the European championships, and it will be interesting to see how they fare, having beaten the likes of Northern Ireland, Slovenia, Poland and the Czech Republic to top spot in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Their main competition should come from New Zealand, who have impressed in recent friendlies, narrowly losing to Italy and Australia. Few give Paraguay any chance though, despite an impressive qualification record.
Prediction: Italy, New Zealand
Group G: Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast, North Korea
When Didier Drogba broke his arm in a friendly against Japan last week, the world held its breath. It is universally accepted that this Ivory Coast team represent Africa’s best hope of claiming the World Cup trophy for the first time, and Drogba is the key to their success. Miraculously, Drogba is now in the frame to play against Portugal on Tuesday, and few would begrudge the Ivory Coast a win here.
Brazil are once again fancied to win the tournament outright, while Portugal boast a talented line-up including none other than controversial character Cristiano Ronaldo. North Korea meanwhile will be lucky to get any points on the board, desperately unlucky to be drawn in such a high quality group in only their second qualification for the tournament.
Prediction: Brazil, Ivory Coast
Group H: Spain, Chile, Honduras, Switzerland
Spain are the overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy, and are aided in this regard by a relatively straight forward looking group. Spain are favourites to win because they have the best players in the world right now, in almost every position, and it is hard to see anyone in this group providing any sort of opposition. Their first real test will come in the round of sixteen, most likely against Portugal or the Ivory Coast.
Chile are the most likely side to clinch the runner-up spot here. Honduras are the third side to qualify from the North American zone, and have Wigan midfielder Wilson Palacios in their ranks, while Switzerland are a solid outfit, albeit lacking in star quality. Chile qualified comfortably from the South American zone, and should do the same here, barring any hiccups.
Prediction: Spain, Chile
For those of you that don’t know, the World Cup kicks-off tomorrow for the first time be on African soil. Thirty-two countries will battle it out over the course of the next month to become World champions. Seven games are all that stands between each team and achieving that goal. First up is the group stage, and here we look at what is likely to pan out over the course of the next two weeks, as well as some predictions of who is likely to progress from each group. Regardless of the outcome, it promises to be an exciting tournament for all concerned.
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Aside from France, the countries in this group will be largely unknown entities to European viewers. There are few familiar names to contend with, the more noticeable being Uruguay’s ex-Manchester United and current Atletico Madrid star Diego Forlan, and Everton’s combative South African midfielder Stephen Pienaar.
The majority of viewers will be hoping that South Africa progress to the next stage, as if they don’t, they will become the first host country not to do so. The other countries are going to provide a stern test though. While the majority of those viewers in Ireland will be hoping for three French defeats, the harsh reality is that they should prove too strong for the opposition in this group. In any case, the group is sure to provide an exciting opening day to the tournament.
Prediction: France, Mexico
Group B: Korea, Greece, Argentina, Nigeria
Undoubtedly the biggest talking point of this group is what impact the brilliant but flawed genius of Maradona will have on the ability of Argentina to lift the trophy for a third time. The Argentina manager has already made a host of controversial decisions before the tournament has even begun, leaving out Champions League winners Javier Zanetti and Estaban Cambiasso altogether from his final squad. He also has a less than perfect relationship with star player Lionel Messi, the latter reportedly unhappy with Maradona’s relatively hands-on approach to management.
Elsewhere in the group, second place is tough to call. Korea Republic qualified comfortably, but are likely to struggle in any physical encounters, while former European champions Greece barely sneaked past an average Ukraine side in November’s now infamous set of European play-offs. Nigeria have the experience of Portsmouth striker Kanu to count on up front, but will need more than that to carry them through to the round of sixteen.
Prediction: Argentina, Korea
Group C: England, USA, Algeria, Slovenia
Nobody is giving Algeria or Slovenia a prayer in this group, and it is easy to see why in Algeria’s case. A three-nil friendly defeat to Ireland last month at the RDS did little to dispel the theory that Algeria would be the whipping boys of the tournament. In Slovenia’s case however, the pessimism is less easily understood. While they are a small enough country, they did manage to overcome Russia in the play-offs and should provide a stern test for the much fancied England and USA teams.
Fabio Capello’s men really should not have any difficulty in progressing though. If they do, it will be of their own making. Their squad is simply too strong to encounter any slip-ups here. Similarly, it will be a surprise if the USA fail to make it through, with a team littered with premiership stars such as Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan. It’s difficult to see past these two sailing through.
Prediction: England, USA
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
A significant amount of appeal has been lost from this group on account of unfortunate injuries to two of the star players. Ghanaian captain Michael Essien is out of the tournament, recovering from a knee injury, while German captain Michael Ballack suffered an unfortunate injury in the FA cup final. Had the two been fit, this group would have been a lot easier to call, but now it seems like being a much tighter affair.
Ghana are likely to miss their talismanic captain more than Germany, with nobody of any real quality left to fill the void left by Essien’s departure. Australia are also a decent side. They qualified very comfortably, this time around from the Asian qualifying zone, and are a solid unit. Only last year they came to Dublin and beat Ireland three-nil in a friendly match. Serbia topped their group in qualifying ahead of France, but have been in dreadful form in recent warm-up games.
Prediction: Germany, Australia
Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Netherlands arguably had the easiest route to qualification of any team, bar South Africa. They sailed comfortably through a group containing Norway and Scotland, and it is hard to see a different result here. Household names like Robin Van Persie, a fit again Arjen Robben, and Champions League winner Wesley Sneijder should see them through without a hitch.
With regards to second place, it looks like being a tight contest between Japan and Denmark. Denmark came through a tough group in qualifying, overcoming both Portugal and Sweden, while Japan recently showed in a friendly against England that they will be no pushovers. Cameroon appear to be one of the weaker sides in the tournament, and really look like struggling. Second place is likely to come down to a winner takes all meeting between Denmark and Japan in Rustenburg on the 24th of June.
Prediction: Netherlands, Japan
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Irish viewers will be interested in this group for a number of reasons. Firstly, we have Italy, the defending champions, who overcame Trappatoni’s men in qualifying. With Marcello Lippi in charge once more, they are a force to be reckoned with, but it is difficult to see them lifting the trophy again, considering the ageing line-up that they possess. Key playmaker Andrei Pirlo is also a doubt for the tournament.
Slovakia have been drawn in the same group as Ireland in qualification for the European championships, and it will be interesting to see how they fare, having beaten the likes of Northern Ireland, Slovenia, Poland and the Czech Republic to top spot in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Their main competition should come from New Zealand, who have impressed in recent friendlies, narrowly losing to Italy and Australia. Few give Paraguay any chance though, despite an impressive qualification record.
Prediction: Italy, New Zealand
Group G: Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast, North Korea
When Didier Drogba broke his arm in a friendly against Japan last week, the world held its breath. It is universally accepted that this Ivory Coast team represent Africa’s best hope of claiming the World Cup trophy for the first time, and Drogba is the key to their success. Miraculously, Drogba is now in the frame to play against Portugal on Tuesday, and few would begrudge the Ivory Coast a win here.
Brazil are once again fancied to win the tournament outright, while Portugal boast a talented line-up including none other than controversial character Cristiano Ronaldo. North Korea meanwhile will be lucky to get any points on the board, desperately unlucky to be drawn in such a high quality group in only their second qualification for the tournament.
Prediction: Brazil, Ivory Coast
Group H: Spain, Chile, Honduras, Switzerland
Spain are the overwhelming favourites to lift the trophy, and are aided in this regard by a relatively straight forward looking group. Spain are favourites to win because they have the best players in the world right now, in almost every position, and it is hard to see anyone in this group providing any sort of opposition. Their first real test will come in the round of sixteen, most likely against Portugal or the Ivory Coast.
Chile are the most likely side to clinch the runner-up spot here. Honduras are the third side to qualify from the North American zone, and have Wigan midfielder Wilson Palacios in their ranks, while Switzerland are a solid outfit, albeit lacking in star quality. Chile qualified comfortably from the South American zone, and should do the same here, barring any hiccups.
Prediction: Spain, Chile
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