African disappointment

Having now watched all of the African team, who will playing at the World Cup, in action in Angola at the Africa Cup of Nations, I have to say i'm very unimpressed.

Hopes were high regarding Ivory Coast, but they still seem to lack something. The Elephants tend to play overly tactical football with too many defensive minded midfielders in their line-up. Also the wings seem to be somewhat disappointing and not able to support Didier Drogba. Not to mention some lapses of concentration in the defense and their main goalkeeper isn't even a regular at his club Beveren, which is near the bottom end of the Belgian league. I'm not very confident they can surpass their group G opponents at the World Cup if there isn't a major improvement in their game.

Algeria need even more improvement. Today's 0-0 draw with hosts Angola, was one of the worst performances by a team I've seen in recent history. They do have potential with Wolfsburg's Karim Ziani offering creativity from midfield, but they just don't seem to want to capitalize this. But today's result at least was a improvement from the opening match 3-0 embarrassment in the hands of the mighty Malawi. Luckily for Algeria Mali again underachieved and so the got through from their group in Angola, but there's no chance in hell they'll do it in South Africa with England and USA being favorites in group C.

A shock defeat by Gabon started Cameroon's campaign and a narrow 3-2 over Zambia followed. No team with Samuel Eto'o on their side shouldn't struggle like this. Begs a question if Paul Le Guen really is the right man for the job. There's every chance the team might even end up being the bottom side in South Africa as all other teams in group E are capable of beating this disjointed side.

And I don't even want to talk about Ghana. Injury troubles, bad atmosphere in the dressing room, uninspiring characters on the field. It's a disaster waiting to happen. Germany, Australia and Serbia are no doubt rubbing their hands as just like with Cameroon in group E, this Ghana team will find it very tough to handle any of them in group D.

Nigeria, with all their attacking talent, are finding it very tough to put the ball into the back of the net. The defence also isn't rock solid, with Egypt easily putting 3 goals past them and Benin getting near with numerous shots, that hit the post and the crossbar. To the Flying Eagles' luck, their opponents in group B, aren't the most stable ones with Argentina and Greece constantly struggling to put together a number of good performances in a row.

Could it be that it will be the hosts, South Africa, who'll offer the most threat to European and South-American teams at the World Cup?

Bafana-Bafana have the luxury of not having to concentrate on two major competitions in a year. It's doing wonders for Egypt, who look very likely to go on and pick up their historic third consecutive Africa Cup of Nations title. Group A also looks a very nice prospect for them considering the fixtures list.

And what's the story with African goalkeepers? Are they the worst ones in the entire world or are they just making fun? You decide. Here's Mozambique's Joao Rafael Kapango.

Is South Africa safe enough?

In the wake of happenings in Angola, questions have been raised if South Africa will be safe enough place for hosting World Cup.

When the nation was first selected as the country to host the FIFA 2010 World Cup some of the main questions were raised about the safety in the country. South Africa is notorious for having a very high crime rate. I've even read a ridiculus statistic that every 8th woman in the nation has been raped, giving South Africa the name "rape capital of the world". Assaults and violent crimes have been the main worry, alongside car hijacking. The violent crimes have started to show a decrese in recent years, but the rape and hijacking rates are still one of the biggest in the world.

All that has lead the goverment to build gated communities, which consists of a group of suburban street blocks, where road exits have been fenced off with the exception of one or more entrances, all guarded by security personel.

It is a worry, but should South Africa now suffer from the anti publicity of Angola. Would a World Cup taking place in for example France be questioned if there are doubts about player safety in Italy?

Whilst it's a bit out of context comparrison, as Africa is still largely considered as the 3rd world, it does offer, if anything else, at least confidence to everybody, the players, managers, fans who are looking forward to the summer's competition.

There always a risk something negative could happen, but in some sense the attack on the Togo team in Angola, came at a perfect time. It showed to the world that there are safety issues in Africa, which will make them more careful in the summer if they visit South Africa and it showed the organizing commitee that it would not be a bad idea to make some extra efforts to make the competition safe. Everybody will want to talk about the football being played, not the negative issues that could pop up.

Vieira very keen to regain his France place

The transfer movement during season's when there's a big tournament coming up are very interesting. The players seem to choose club, not the other way around as it is usually and the recent transfer of Patrick Vieira is the perfect example of this.

Vieira found it tough to break into the Inter Milan squad and has now moved to Manchester City. With the World Cup coming up it was really the only sensible thing to do. With the footballing world getting more competitive each year there are a lot of good players available for countries and very much so in the bigger ones, which Vieira's home nation France is.

Due do his lack of action for his club the midfielder hasn't made it to Raymond Domenech's recent sides with fitter and more match practise having players favoured. Now it's six months for Vieira to prove his worth to Les Blues and also Manchester City. City's new manager Roberto Mancini seems to be a big admirer of the Frenchman. He was the one, who brought Vieira to Inter and now also got his man for his new club. Even though, when you look at City's squad then a central midfield department seemed to be the last one needing improvement.

But that's how the transfer market works in these big tournament years. If a player with a big reputation makes himself available, claiming he need regular first-team football to seal his place in his international squad, then clubs will go for him no matter if there's really a need.

It will be seen how successful the deal will turn out to be. It's a good move for Vieira, but he's really using his new club to get back into the international frame. And who could blame him? Even with the big money involved in club football these days, the honour of representing your country's is above all, especially in a big tournament like the World Cup is.

Another change for Nigeria

With the deadline for announcing teams for Angola 2010 just about to fall, Nigeria manager Shaibu Amodu made yet another change.

The exclusion of Hoffenheim's striker Chinedu Obasi was a shock at first, with the team known strugglers in front of goal, but the 23-year old has now replaced Michael Eneramo in the squad. The decision came after a three day training camp in Durban, South Africa. Yet another African player with disciplinary problems?

Anyways, here's my look on how the Flying Eagles might set up in Angola.

--------------- Enyeama -------------
Odiah ---- Yobo ---- Nwereri -- Taiwo
-------- Olofinjana --- Mikel ---------
----------------- Kanu ---------------
-- Martins --- Yakubu -- Odemwingie

Probably too offensive, but it would offer some great attacking play. Most likely somebody from the forward line will have to settle for a impact role from the bench. Also Taiwo might not get the nod ahead of Onyekachi Apam, as the Marseille man hasn't been regular for his side this season. Danny Shittu might be drafted in for Nwereri if Mr. Amodu would want more experience or if Yobo isn't 100% fit for the start of the tournament.

The tournament starts at the end of this week. Can't wait for it. The African players natural talent and at some parts tactical incompetence, always make African Cup of Nations a very exciting tournament to watch. A perfect appetiser for the World Cup.

Ivory Coast start 2010 with a win

Ivory Coast kicked off their World Cup 2010 year with a win over Tanzania. Star striker Didier Drogba's single goal was enough to seal the win.

The Elepahants are training in Tanzania before the African Cup of Nations 2010 and have found a good opportunity to also play a few test matches against the local side. It's interesting to note that the initiative to set up the training camp and the matches, came from Tanzania, which the Ivory Coast officials gladly accepted. It's also interesting to note that Tanzania also offered Brazil a chance to train there before this summer's World Cup in South Africa, but the 5-times World Champions turned down the offer.

Tanzania and Ivory Coast will again lock heads on Thursday, after which Ivory Coast will travel to Luanda, Angola.

It will be interesting to see how manager Vahid Halihodžic will set up his side in Angola. The squad is very strong through out, with a number of options for almost all the positions on the field. There's also some negative issues in the dressing room I've heard, this could possibly cause a head ache trying to pick a right side, who will work together not against each other. One thing that is certain, is that Yaya Toure will be played as a midfield play maker. At least Halihodžic has said that before the tournament. That might of course raise a few questions, as Toure plays as a defensive midfielder at his club Barcelona.

------------------ Barry -------------------

- Eboue ---- Bamba ---- K.Toure ---- Boka -

-------- Gosso ---------- Zokora -----------

---------------- Y.Toure -------------------

-- Gervinho ----- Drogba ----- Kalou ------

So, it looks like this would be the preferred starting XI. Everybody knows the quality of Drogba and Kalou, but I recommend to look out for Gervinho. I follow the French Ligue 1 very closely and the Lille player has been in great form. Especially in recent weeks and has rocketed near the top scorers list.

Korea DPR bag a trophy

Korea DPR have a won a 4-team tournament. The tournament, which took place 28 December until 3 January, took place in Doha, Qatar.

The team, which in this years World Cup is in the "Group of Death", group G were joined in the tournament by local side Qatar, Mali and Iran.

Korea DPR won their opening match against Mali 1-0 with one of their few players, who's playing their club football in Europe, FC Rostov's striker Hong Yong-Jo grabbing the only goal on 55. minute. The Asian side was the better team through out the match and fully deserved their win with manager Kim Jong-Hun yet again impressing how he has set up his defence, which at times seems unbreakable.

1-0 was also the result in the Koreans second match. This time it was Choe Chol-Man, who's goal sunk the opposition on 59. minute. It was again a solid defensive performance by the Koreans and they took their chance in the attack.

Again the score was 1-0 in Korea DPR's final match, but it was a lost game. Mehrzad Madanchi scored his 7th goal for the Iranian international team. That result didn't have any effect on the tournament outcome though and Korea DPR finished with 6 points ahead of Qatar and Mali's 4, with Iran finishing bottom on 3 points.

Next up for the North Koreans, is Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup in Sri Lanka next month, where the winners will qualify for Asian Cup 2011.

It is interesting to note that their last match, the 1-0 loss to Iran, was their 11th match that has had 2 or less goals since the beginning of 2009. Manager Kim Jong-Hun really likes his side to play defensively solid football. Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast, who today play one of their two warm-up matches for African Cup of Nations versus Tanzania, have to be vary of the hardworking Asians.

Bayern send Toni home

After a two and a half year stay in Germany, the Italian target man Luca Toni will now hope to rediscover the form, which lead him to be Europe's most feared striker, at AS Roma. A 6-month loan deal has signed with a view on a permanent transfer.

Big question marks on how Roma will now cope with two super egos. Francesco Totti has got used to being the go to guy for the club ever since he's break through to the first team in 1994, now he's got competition.

Toni's playing style is somewhat unique. He seldom works for the team and expects everything to be delivered to him on a silver plate. And it works incredibly well, when he's in from, sadly if he's not then the team suffers greatly.

Starting out at Modena the 1.96 m man looked to fade away in the local lower divisions until his big break at Brescia. Hooking up with Italian legend Roberto Baggio the club recorded it's best ever results in the Serie A. Soon after came a move to Palermo. Toni was even more impressive in the clubs pink shirt recording a unbelievable record of 50 league goals in 80 matches. That prompted Fiorentina, back in the big league after a financial meltdown, to sign the striker.

Bringing back memories of Argentine great Gabriel Batistuta for the Firenze faithfuls, he was one of the most prolific striker not only in Italy, but the whole Europe. Due to he's good relationship with Fiorentina's fans, Toni promised to not sign for another Italian club, when injuries had effected his play and it was time to move on.

FC Bayern in Germany was the next destination. Toni had a dream debut season there, finishing the Bundesliga's top goal scorer and hitting 39 goals in total in only 46 matches. But just like his career in Fiorentina, injuries came to haunt him and soon his stay was again over. This gives you a great idea, who important in Toni's play is his fitness. He's just useless when he's not 100%, but deadly when he is. And poor form and injuries limited him to only 3 league appearances for Bayern this season.

The man, capped 47 by Italy, has all the pressure on him now to perform for Roma. The team currently 4th in Serie A will be hoping a rise in the standings and the fans expect improvement in scoring goals.

This move of course mainly comes because Toni wants to secure his place in the Italian World Cup squad. With competition very fierce there in Marcello Lippi's team, only goals will get him there. It will be seen if Francesco Totti can be the new Roberto Baggio for Luca Toni and lift his career once again.

Nigeria squad for Angola 2010

Nigeria manager Shaibu Amodu delayed announcing his team until the last minute to get the go-ahead regarding the fitness of striker Obafemi Martins. And to his luck, the Wolfsburg marksman passed a late fitness test and is now included in the Flying Eagles squad.

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel) Bamidele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda, Israel) Austin Ejide (unattached)

Defenders: Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Danny Shittu (Bolton, England) , Obinna Nwaneri and Yusuf Mohammed (both FC Sion, Switzerland) Taye Taiwo (Marseille, France) Elderson Echiejile (Rennes, France), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Onyekachi Apam (Nice, France).

Midfielders: Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham, England) Sani Kaita (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia) Yusuf Atanda Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Oluwaseyi George Olofinjana (Hull City, England), Kalu Uche (Almeria, Spain).

Strikers: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton, England), Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Michael Eneramo (Esperance, Tunisia), Obinna Nsofor (Malaga, Spain), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg, Germany).

Key defenders, such as Joseph Yobo and Danny Shittu are also returning from injury. Nwankwo Kanu will be putting his club miseries behind, and it will be his 6th appearance in the African Cup of Nations. The choice of goalkeepers is the same as it was in 2008, even though Austin Ejide is lacking match practise being without a club, since leaving Bastia in the summer.

Other teams haven't been lucky with injuries, though. Cameroon's Benoit Assou-Ekotto picked up a serious injury in the last league game for Tottenham. He's replaced by Neuchatel Xamax's Augustin Binya.

Ghana were dealt a blow when Fulham's John Pantsil got injures. At first he was set to be replaced by Getafe's Derek Boateng, but the club forbid it. Now the replacement is Ransford Osei (FC Twente). Another defender John Mensah is replaced by his namesake Jonathan Mensah. It's worth noting that both Osei and Mensah are U-20 World Champions 2009. So there's now 8 members of the successful team in the senior squad. But with the Michael Essien not yet fully fit from an hamstring injury and the story of Sulley Muntari, it might turn out to be tough for the Black Stars to even get past the group stage.