This time for the Dark Horse

After Vettel's victory at Valencia after edging out Hamilton, Germany had gone one up on England in the day's fixtures. However, as the main battle shifts to South Africa for WC 2010, people are likely to make a lot of comparisons. With a lot of history, both sporting and otherwise, between the two teams, things were always going to be interesting. However, a great deal of interest in my opinion has been because of the presence of the lesser known footballing nations. I meani would have never imagined the in house supporters of Chelsea, ManU and Arsenal coming together to cheer for Slovakia as they ousted Italy. But that too is not the big story. Its about New Zealand, the lowly ranked nation remained unbeaten and finished above Italy. Honduras vs Switzerland decided who went through from Group H. It wasn't about France crashing out, it was about South Africa equalling Mexico on points table. It was about Ghana making it to the quarters. In a way, it was the about the underdogs. And who knows we may have another Greece in the making !

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Like today's race, this Cup will be known for a lot of things including some sloppy decision making by the officials. Like today's race, the Kobayashis could upset the apple cart for others. And like today's race, the second fastest race lap could be set by the man who finished 16th. (Well, an Englishman did beat a German to that one !). All of which goes on to show that sometimes, with a little heart, you can go far ! Or can you ? ;)

Round of 16!!! Heart breaks and Celebrations

The group stages concluded on Friday and there were heart breaks for the teams who did not make it to the knock out stages. Both finalists from last WC were unable to reach the next stages. A lot has been said about the French team and its misgivings; the Italians fared no better. A lot of hue and cry was made about Italy's exit too, but there were no internal bickerings in the Italian side. The team just couldn't start its engines.. age, pressure, and the like took its toll on an aging side. Managers for both sides have left, for French, the World Cup was an event of shame while for Italy, it was bad form.. One of the reasons cited has been the lack of available talent in both nations, too many foreign players crowding the club levels leaving very little for home grown talent.

The round of 16 had 2 and 1 representation(s) from the Asian and African continents, respectively. South Korea led by MAN - U star, Park Ji-Sung and Japan, from Asia; and Ghana, comprising of Kevin P. Boateng who turned up in the Ghana jersey two months prior to WC 2010. The first match between Uruguay and South Korea made for good viewing. Both sides attacked well. Uruguay opened the score line early in the 8th minute through Suarez with a major faux pas by the S. Korean goalie and defense line up. The Uruguayans tried to play defensive in the early part of second half but, failed to absorb the S.K attacking pressures leading to a 68th minute equaliser. But, Uruguayans were back on top with an 80th minute curler from Suarez sealing the win for his team and a place in the quarters since 1970s. Both teams played an attacking game and fought well. Congrats to URU and thumbs up to S. Korea who fought hard and go out with their heads held high.

Ghana - USA was fast paced match with Ghana playing good holding football especially in the midfield frustrating the US. Bradley (US) failed to make an impact and Donovan - Dempsey combo up front tried to create some good chances but, the Ghana defense held firm. Fielhaber introduced at the start of the second half played aggressively but, could not create any major hassles. Landan Donovan is a class apart, hope to see more of this player (in EPL, presently with LA Galaxy.. lovey dovey with Mr. Beckham he..he..) in the coming future. Gyan's goal into extra time was an amazing goal and reminded me of Tshabalala's (South Africa) goal in the WC first match. Ghana played better possession football but, the Americans were extremely agile and fast in carrying out counter attacks. It was great game to watch.. both were sole representatives of their continents.. as of now America loses out to Africa. Congrats to Ghana... feel sorry for USA but, they should remember that they are now among the top 16 of the world.
The final scoreline -
USA 1 - GHA 2
URU 2 - S KOR 1

I'm not superstitous, Touch Wood !

Monday's Indian Express carried a photo of the South African conventional faith healers performing prayers for the success of the Bafana Bafana. And at the time of going to the post, it seemed that the voodoo seemed to have worked with SA leading 2 goals at HT. Apparently Ray Domenech's picking players based on astrology didn't work out much to the benefit of the Blues. (though i wonder he would have played Evra and Henry even if their stars were in the right alignment ;P). Which brings me to the topic about soccer stars and their favourite superstitions. Apparently Kolo Toure believes it would bring his side luck if he is the last man to walk out of the tunnel. Which apparently meant that Arsenal started off with 9 men after half time in a match when Gallas was receiving treatment for an injury and Toure waiting for Gallas to walk out before him ! Apparently former Argentine coach Carlos Bilardo made his team shake hands with a bride as brides bring luck. (btw, is the new found beard on Bilardo's star player in that world cup, Diego Maradona, also some kinda goodluck charm ?)
But perhaps the best one comes from Italian Giovanni Trapattoni, who coached the Republic of Ireland, Germany, Austria, Portugal as well as his home team, and was often seen sprinkling holy water given to him by his sister, who's a nun! But he made sure to sprinkle it only on his part of the field!

Meanwhile, voice your opinion on whether Feng Shui or vaastu of a certain stadium also play a part in the team's fortune ? :P (Check out the details of the 10 stadia to be used in fifa 2010 here.)

Goal !!! :))

Ha..ha.... of all the goals, this is the best one... Ronaldo's first goal in 2 years for his country!!!!!!

French Revolution, Spanish Quest, Theatrics.. et al!!!

There’s been a flurry of activity in the event so far. All teams have completed their first 2 matches and the last matches in the group stages seem to be all the more critical. The Germans to come out with a winner against Ghana; the French can still make it provided they win handsomely and the match between Uruguay and Mexico has a winner with a small margin; Brazil beating Portugal and Ivory Coast beating DPR handsomely can still statistically throw a surprise; Its going to be an all important week ahead.
The French team seems to have lost all interest in WC 2010 and is unable to come together as a team. Anelka’s expulsion coupled with their training boycott clearly indicates a shift in priorities. The South Africans are also rumored to have infighting in the team among different tribe members.
The Spanish team bounced back well from their defeat against the Swiss. The Spanish team attacked quite well and created a number of chances. David Villa made his intentions clear in the initial minutes when he hit the cross bar. David Villa, on the left and J. Navas on the right exerted a lot of pressure on the Honduras team who were found wanting in the front of the Spanish goal. Torres missed certain good chances and seems to be struggling on the pitch. David Villa’s performance overshadowed Torres’ presence on field.
One of the main attractions or spoilsports has been theatrics on and off field. Terry’s comments, French boycott, a lot of playacting on field (Brazil vs Ivory Coast stands out as one too many) and poor refereeing have been the dampeners till date. I sure hope that players and referees give something to cheer in the round of 16.

I love the beautiful game and hope that this WC also showcases the game and not all things but the game. Portugal vs DPR ended in 7 – 0 score line in favor of Portugal. The reviews suggests Ronaldo played beautifully… hopefully, I’ll be able to catch the highlights on the weekend.

Till then, looking forward to the last round matches.. Go Portugal, Go Spain…

Upsets and Heroics continue!!!

Boy... i'm just loving it this time around. First, the Spanish shocker... then, Germany and now a resilient USA team. Its been an eventful first week.
The Germans played quite well and Podolski's penalty was a real low point.. All is not lost in their group.. They have 3 teams tied at 3 points and in all probability, Ghana might win against the Aussies but, will not make it against the Germans. This group, Group D is quite open and we might see the second spot being decided on goal differences or goals scored rather than points. Best of luck to all group members (the Aussies will probably lose their upcoming 2 games).
Forget the upsets, kudos to the USA team. They were 2 - 0 down but, came back strongly in the second half to hold Slovenia to 2-2 draw. I thought both teams were quite evenly matched but, USA seemed to be the more attacking team. Donovan's has been going great guns and will be one of the key members to this squad. Bradley's run and the subsequently goal was a good one.
This time around, there have hardly been any draws.
Argentinians.. wat can I say? Messi's magic continues and Higuain seems to be the benefactor.. i sure hope they can see themselves through the tournament... Maradona's not a coach.. but, he can just be the glue that hold this team momentarily just enough for them to pull through.. its a good team.. full of talented players.. a real shame for them to exit early.. carry on, boyz!!!
English goalie's have been in the news for some time now... I sure hope Capello plays Joe Hart as he seems to be of good quality. I still believe they should give Greene another chance.. i'm sure he'll prove the critics wrong... its always easy to put people down.. the tough part is to make them stage a comeback... hope England does not 'Rob' Greene of his chance..
Final Scores
GER 0 - SER 1
USA 2 - SLV 2

The Big Upset - Swiss shock the Spaniards

PEOPLE !!!!!!!!!! EVERYONE THOUGHT NO BIG UPSETS .. WELL, HERE IT IS... SUI BEATS SPAIN 1 - 0... #$%%^ THE ONLY GOAL SCORED WAS A SCRAPPY ONE.. LUCKY BREAK.. 24 SHOTS ON GOAL.. ZERO CONVERTS... SUI GOALIE MADE SOME DECENT SAVES.. ALONSO'S 78th MINUTE.. DERDIYUK's (NO. 19) SECOND ATTEMPT WAS A SUPERB ONE... TORRES LOOKS JADED... A LOT OF PRAISE IS BEING HEAPED ON SUI GOALIE DIEGO BENAGLIO... WELL DONE, MATE.....

The Score

ESP 0 - SUI 1

But beware, i still route for Torres and Fabregas... Spain is gonna hit back big time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!