Ghana's star man Michael Essien has slammed the local FA for excluding Sulley Muntari from the squad, that's set to start fighting for African Cup of Nations glory on 10 January.
Disciplinary reasons was why Muntari was overlooked by manager Milovan Rajevac. As a matter of fact, there was even a meeting set up for the two to meet and iron out their differences, but after Rajevic made trip to Italy, where Muntari's club Inter Milan is based, the midfielder refused to meet him.
Understandably so, the man, who helped his team to 3rd place in the last African Cup of Nations, has now been axed from the squad. This has upset his midfield partner Michael Essien.
"We are in one of the toughest groups this January and it is very important we go with all our experienced and valuable players to win the Cup and prepare us for the World Cup. Sulley Muntari is a world class player, and has obviously gained a lot of experience from playing in Europe. He has worked so hard in the past for the Black Stars and I remember at the last African Cup, Sulley and I suffered from malaria, and yet we played our hearts out for the country we love so much," said Essien to Muntari's defence.
The Chelsea man also questioned why the same rules doesn't apply to all team members, asking: "Three players didn't show up in Angola for the recent friendly and we have been embarrassed and punished for this. However I wonder why Sulley has been the only one of the three excluded from the team?"
Certainly it's not good news for the Black Stars. With selection limited, you'd want to have your best players in the team and if the disciplinary problems don't carry on to the pitch, then why not forgive the player? Though, to be fair, it was a bit childish from Muntari to ignore his manager, when they were set to meet. Plus, his relationship with the FA has been rocky for years now.
Only time will tell if Muntari has now also set him up for the absence from World Cup 2010. At least he's apologized for his actions.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friction in the Ghana squad
Monday, December 28, 2009
England should play with three strikers
Watching Wayne Rooney scoring yesterday against Hull City and thus making himself joint top-scorer of the league, got me thinking, why doesn't England play with three strikers?
Rooney is sharing the top marksman honour with Ivory Coast & Chelsea's Didier Drogba and fellow Englisman, Tottenham's Jermain Defoe. All on 13 goals after 19 matches. And Rooney and Defoe aren't the only English strikers enjoying their Premier League campaign this season.
Sunderland's Darren Bent has notched up 11 goals so far. Aston Villa's Gabriel Agbonlahor and West Ham's Carlton Cole aren't too far behind with 8 and 7 goals respectively. All strikers, who you would think good do a good job for England. So why not try and place as much of them on the pitch as you can?
And I'm taking about the real, straight forward 4-3-3, not the fancy pants, tactical one with the wingers and 4-5-1 formation in defensive play. Let all the top guns loose and see what happens!
Rooney-Bent-Defoe would be a perfect threesome in my mind. All of them with predatory instincts in front of goal, and Rooney, being a immense natural talent, would also help out the team defensively roaming around the pitch.
I think the midfield would benefit from it too. It's a well known fact that Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard rarely perform for England when playing together, but this 4-3-3 formation could suit both. I would place Gerrard on the right side of the three. That way he could threaten offensively, whilst also help out in defence. Lampard would be ideal for the central roll. He's box to box is a real asset for the team. And I know, Gerrard is also a box to box player, but he also has experience playing as a wide player and even though it isn't your traditional winger roll, it does offer more opportunities for wing play.
And I would put Gerrard on the right hand side, because since Gary Neville fell out of the England picture, there really hasn't been a attacking threat from the right side of defence. Gerrard could fill that role. On the other side, England is blessed with having one of the World's best attacking fullbacks in Ashley Cole. He could offer attacking threat from the left hand side, whilst having someone more defensive compared to Lampard and Gerrard, in the left side of the midfield three. Someone like Owen Hargreaves, or Gareth Barry. Barry, as a matter of fact, in my opinion would be ideal. The Aston Villa man started his career as a left-back and is blessed with defensive abilities.
The choice of this is also back up by the fact that England hasn't got much traditional wingers anymore. Aaron Lennon would be one and Ashley Young, Shaun Wright-Phillips possibly, but who else? All of them are right-sidede, there hasn't been a left-sided one for years now. Joe Cole can play there, but he's more of a attacking midfielder who is more suited to the role behind strikers.
This formation will probably never go through the head of Fabio Capello, and the whole article is a bit Football Manager(ish) (maybe because I just got the latest one, here's hoping my computer can run it), but it does offer some thinking. With friendlies coming up and still time to experiment before the 2010 World Cup finals, why not try something different? I know I would.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Another set of friendlies announced
South Korea have been very busy looking for sparring partners. The 2002 World Cup hosts have set up a bunch of friendlies for next month. On 9 January they play Zambia in Johannesburg, South Africa, whilst also taking on some club sides from the country. They'll be without European based player until 18 January when they meet Finland in Malaga, Spain, while meeting Latvia on the 21st. Fellow Asians Japan have set up three matches with opposition from the same continent - Yemen, China and Hong Kong.
While for Korea it looks like it doesn't matter who's the opposition, as long as they can play, then New Zealand, like England, are looking opposition similar to their opponents in the World Cup finals. The All Whites will play Mexico on 3 March in Los Angeles as a preparation for their group F opponents Paraguay. Mexico itself also have a match with Netherlands on 26 May. The Netherlands will face another North American opposition on 3 March in USA. The US also have a match with Honduras in January.
Current European Champions Spain have so far announced three fixtures. The team, currently nr.1 on FIFA ranking, will play France in March, but won't take on any team until the final weeks before the World Cup tournament, with two home and on away fixture set up. The opposition has not been announced yet.
France have already have announced their opposition for the final weeks and they are Costa Rica and Tunisia, on 25 and 30 May respectively. France's group A opponents Uruguay so far have announced a match with Switzerland on 3 March.
From group B, Argentina will meet Germany in March. The Germans also have some weird fixtures in May with hosting Malta and visiting Hungary. Same goes for their group D companions Australia. Kuwait in January and Indonesia in March aren't exactly teams you'd expect to play before a World Cup finals tournament. In the same group, Serbia have a friendly with Algeria on 3 March.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Zakumi Mascot Fifa World Cup 2010
Zakumi is the mascot name of the 2010 World Cup will be held in South Africa. Zakumi is a leopard with green hair quirky, Zakumi was born on June 16, 1994 which coincided with the day of the youth in South Africa. In 2010, Zakumi will be 16 years old, which will be celebrated globally by 2010 World Cup crown.
Zakumi's name comes from the word "Za", the code for South Africa and "kumi", a word that means ten in various African languages. [1] Zakumi costume wearing a green and yellow (gold), which is also the color of the uniform dominance of the African teams South.
World Cup 2010 Coming Soon
The biggest Football event in the word will go on. It is World Cup 2010. This event will confront 32 countries for playing football and only to find one the Champion in the world.
So, by the way who is the Champion in this event?
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Wednesday, December 23, 2009
More misery for Maradona
Even though Argentina manager Diego Maradona is still banned from any footballing action from FIFA, the man was at Camp Nou yesterday to witness yet another defeat for his team.
Argentina played a friendly match against a very unusual team. Catalonia's national team only gets together twice a year near the Christmas period.
Having the luxury of boasting Barcelona and Spain stars Victor Valdes, Xavi, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol and other, the team, lead by the legenday Dutchman, three-times European Footballer of the Year Johan Cruyff, was too strong to handle for a make shift Argentina team.
Diego Pozo, Cristian Alvarez (Eduardo Salvio), Martin Demichelis, Nicolas Otamendi (Nicolas Pareja), Emiliano Papa (Jesus Datolo), Javier Pastore, Mario Bolatti, Fernando Gago (Ever Banega), Angel Di María, Gonzalo Higuain (Martin Palermo) and Ezequiel Lavezzi, was the Argie line-up.
The match ended 4-2. After a slow start, with a very easy and laid back attitude from both of the teams, the match came to life in the 2nd half. Catalonia's Sergio Garcia wasn't marked properly and the Real Betis man opened the scoring in the 43th minute. After the break, it was soon 2-0, with Bojan, who's still hoping to nail a place in Spain's World Cup squad, scoring after a brilliant individual run from midfield. Javier Pastore pulled one back in the 62nd minute, but seven minutes later Catalonia again lead by two goals, when Sergio Gonzalez (Deportivo) scored a penalty. Benfica's Angel di Maria, who's linked with a switch to Manchester United, scored in the 71st minute to make the scoring board more respectable, but Espanyol's Moises Hurtado soon after, in the 74th minute to me exact, but the result out of doubt and made it 4-2. There were chances for both near the end, but neither could capitalise them.
So a lot to think about for Maradona and his assistant Hector Enrique, who was in charge of this match. Even though it wasn't the first selection, the team lacks defensively. Hector Enrique said: "We have to work hard on defense. I do not know if it is serious, but four goals is too much. At the World Cup we have to be much more careful". And while there was some improvement in attacking play, the percentage of chances converted was low. But at least that's the positive change from recent matches. In past months the team even hasn't created enough goalscoring opportunities to get on the score sheet.
Ivory Coast and Cameroon squads for African Cup of Nations
Ivory Coast
Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Lokeren, Belgium), Aristide Zogbo (Maccabi Netanya/Israel), Vincent De Paul Angban (Asec Mimosas)
Defenders: Kolo Toure (Manchester City, England), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal, England), Guy Demel (SV Hamburg, Germany), Souleman Bamba (Hibernian, Scotland), Benjamin Angoua Brou (Kispest Honved, Hungary), Arthur Boka (VfB Stuttgart, Germany), Abdoulaye Meite (West Bromwich Albion, England), Siaka Tiene (Valenciennes, France)
Midfielders: Yaya Toure (Barcelona, Spain), Didier Zokora (Sevilla, Spain), Emmanuel Kouamatien Kone (International Curtea of Arges, Romania), Cheik Ismael Tiote (FC Twente, Holland), Emerse Fae (Nice, France), Jean-Jacques Gosso Gosso (AS Monaco, France)
Forwards: Didier Drogba (Chelsea, France), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea, England), Bakari Kone (Marseille, France), Kader Keita (Galatasaray, Turkey), Aruna Dindane (Portsmouth, England), Gervinho (Lille, France)
A really stong side and there's no surprise the Elephants are also seen as potential favorites for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. The only weak point might be the goalkeeping department with no well known players. Sevilla's Koffi Ndri Romaric is dropped because of diciplinary reasons, other wise it's a full strenght squad.
Cameroon
Goalkeepers: Carlos Kameni (Espanyol, Spain), Hamidou Souleymanou (Kayserispor, Turkey), Guy N'Dy Assembe (Valenciennes, France)
Defenders: Rigobert Song (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Geremi (Newcastle United, England), Henri Bedimo (Chateauroux, France), Andre Bikey (Burnley, England), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham Hotspur, England) Aurelien Chedjou (Lille, France), Nicolas Nkoulou (AS Monaco, France)
Midfielders: Alex Song (Arsenal, England), Jean Makoun (Lyon, France), Stephane Mbia (Marseille, France), Georges Mandjeck (Kaiserslautern, Germany), Joel Matip (Shalke 04, Germany), Enoh Eyong (Ajax Amsterdam, Holland), Landry Nguemo (Celtic, Scotland), Achille Emana (Real Betis, Spain)
Forwards: Somen A Tchoyi (Red Bull Salzburg, Austria), Paul Alo'o Efloulou (AS Nancy, France), Achille Webo (Mallorca, Spain), Mohamadou Idrissou (SC Freiburg, Germany), Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan, Italy)
Only one who's missed out from Paul Le Guen's selection is Tottenham's Sebastien Bassong. The French-born midfielder, recently decided to start representing his parents country, but misses out on this tournament. Cameroon are probably the only African team with a good class goalkeeper and I think they'll be the only one's who might have a chance of stopping Ivory Coast from winning the continent's most prestigous tournament.
Ivory Coast are big favorites to get past their group, where they are with Ghana, Togo and Burkina Faso. Cameroon are in a group with Tunisia, Zambia and co-hosts of the next African Cup of Nations, Gabon.
Del Bosque extends his Spanish stay
The man, who's celebrating his 59th birthday today, will now stay at the helm of the Spanish international team until the end on EURO 2012. The previous deal was set to expire after World Cup 2010 finals, but the Spanish FA have now made the sensible decision and cleared any danger of Del Bosque leaving after the tournament as there will be a number of club sides looking for a new manager in the summer.
Del Bosque's reign has been very impressive with only one loss suffered. That came in past summer's Confederations Cup and the performance at the tournament was a bit from the Spaniards, crashing out in the semis, but other wise the two and a half year progression under Del Bosque has been very impressive. With the team nr.1 in the FIFA rankings, they are the marking point of every other team. And maybe 2010 will be the year when they'll finally end their big tournaments failure and go all the way.
Monday, December 21, 2009
No surprises as Messi is named FIFA World Player of the Year
Back to the FIFA awards ceremony. Puskas award, named in the honour of legendary Hungary striker Ferenc Puskas, was announced for the first time ever and it was awarded to the best goal scored during the year. It was voted by fans and Cristiano Ronaldo's 40-yard screamer versus Porto was the winner.
England line up Egypt friendly
It has been announced that a friendly match versus Egypt will be England's first match of 2010. The match will be played on 3 March at Wembley and it will be Egypt's first trip to England. It will only the third match in history between these two. In 1986 the Three Lions won easily 4-0 in Cairo, but only a single goal separated the two at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, with England winning 1-0.
The match is seen as a perfect opportunity for England to test their skills and tactics versus a side similar to their group C opponents Algeria. Algeria of course pipped Egypt for a spot in the 2010 World Cup finals in dramatic style with a 1-0 victory in a winner takes all match, after the sides finished level on every accounts in their qualifying group.
Meanwhile, a lot of England's stars will be sweating for their place in the finals squad. Manager Fabio Capello has said before that he will only takes fully fit players to South Africa, but a number of potentially key players are currently struggling with fitness.
Owen Hargreaves, who could fit into the England line-up to let Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard loose and attack, has been out of action for 15 months now. But the 26-year old has been nearing a comeback and Capello has offered him some hope of regaining his place. "I spoke to him two months ago, I met him in Manchester and he was just ready to start training. But now he is not fit. He has six months to recover his good form but he needs to play. I will choose players that will be fit in May, the players that play all the games", has the Italian recently said.
Another Manchester United player, who hopes to be part of England's squad in South Africa, is Rio Ferdinand. The laid back central defender, who's been ever present in the first IX for nearly a decade now, has been struggling with back spasms and different niggling injuries for a couple of years now, and it's limited the player to only 7 appearances this season. The man himself is very confident, saying: "I'm confident I'll be fit. There's no question I'll be ready for next summer. The treatment on my injury is going well. It's been quite slowly slowly but we're getting there. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel". But you have to wonder in what condition will he be come May and June.
Then of course, there's Michael Owen. The man would no doubt be useful for England, and has impressed recently, but his playing time, or the lack of it, at Manchester United could see him miss out. "I saw the last game he played, on television, and he scored three goals in the Champions League but the next game he did not play. For this reason, I ask myself why? Why Wayne Rooney plays always and Owen not?", asks Fabio Capello.
So a lot of questions over a number of important players' heads, but only a few answers. And will Capello's strict policy of definitely not selecting a player when he's not fit in time, really be the only correct answer? Only time will tell.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Ghana and Algeria announce Cup of Nations squads
With the African Cup of Nations vastly approaching (starting on 10 January), two of the five African teams that will be also competing in the World Cup 2010 finals in South Africa, have annouced their squads for the continent's most important competition.
Ghana
Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Wigan, England), Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals, Ghana), Philemon McCarthy (Hearts of Oak, Ghana)
Defenders: John Paintsil (Fulham, England), Hans Adu Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Samuel Inkoom (Basel, Switzerland) Eric Addo (Roda JC, Holland) Isaac Vorsah (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany) John Mensah (Sunderland, England), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea, Ghana) Harrison Afful (Esperance, Tunisia)
Midfielders: Ibrahim Ayew (Zamalek, Egypt) Michael Essien (Chelsea, England) Anthony Annan (Rosenborg, Norway), Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Sampdoria, Italy), Opoku Agyemang (Al Sadd, Qatar) Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, Italy), Moussa Narry (Auxerre, France), Andre Ayew (Arles-Avagnon, France)
Forwards: Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda, Holland) Asamoah Gyan (Rennes, France), Dominic Adiyiah (Fredrikstad FK, Norway) Haminu Draman (Locomotiv Moscow, Russia)
Big surprise is that Inter Milan star Sulley Muntari has missed out. Stephen Appiah and Laryea Kingston miss out with injuries.
Quite a youthful side. 6 U-20 World Champions 2009. The squad is also sweating on the fitness of midfield general Michael Essien, who's currently out of action with an hamstring injury.
Algeria
Goalkeepers: Lounes Gaouaoui (ASO Chlef), Fawzi Chaouchi (ES Setif), Mohamed Amine Zemmamouche (MC Algiers)
Defenders: Slimane Raho (ES Setif), Madjid Bougherra (Rangers/Scotland), Rafik Halliche (Nacional/Portugal), Anthar Yahia (Bochum/Germany), Samir Zaoui (ASO Chlef), Abdelkader Laifaoui (ES Setif), Nadir Belhadj (Portsmouth/England), Reda Baabouche (MC Algiers)
Midfielders: Hassen Yebda (Portsmouth/England), Yazid Mansouri (Lorient/France), Khaled Lemmouchia (ES Setif), Mourad Meghni (Lazio/Italy), Karim Ziani (Wolfsburg/Germany), Karim Matmour (Borussia Monchengladbach/Germany), Yacine Bezzaz (Strasbourg/France), Hameur Bouazza (Blackpool/England), Djamal Abdoun (Nantes/France)
Forwards: Rafik Saifi (Al-Khor/Qatar), Abdelkader Mohamed Ghezzal (Siena/Italy), Abdelmalik Ziaya (ES Setif) Varus: Mohamed Ousserir (CR Belouizdad), Mohamed Meftah (JS Kabylie), Hocine Metref (ES Setif), Chadli Amri (Mainz/Germany)
Possibly the only surprise is that Hull City's Kamel Ghilas wasn't picked. Otherwise it's basically a full strenght side.
Ghana in group B with Ivory Coast, Togo and Burkina Faso. Algeria are in group A, alongside hosts Angola, Mali and Malawi.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Theofanis Gekas to join Hertha
Greece's star striker Theofanis Gekas will join Bundesliga's whipping boys Hertha Berlin in January. The team, which has failed to deliver in the Bundesliga this season, secured qualification in the Europa League yesterday with a 2-o win over Sporting, signed Gekas on loan for Leverkusen for the rest of the season.
Gekas, a one time Bundesliga top scorer (season 2006/07), is a key figure in Otto Rehhagel's Greece team. We all remember what Angelos Charisteas did in EURO 2004 as a target man, and now the same hopes are on Gekas.
The 29-year old was top scorer in the European qualifying process for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, albeit scoring 3 goals versus lowly Luxembourg and Moldova and a hat-trick in one match versus Latvia. But he's a dangerous player with his presence in the Greek forward line. Even if his team doesn't make it through to the next round, Greece's group B opponents defenders will face tough time facing him.
Cristiano Ronaldo dreams come true
Well, at least according to his latest book. As latest because there have been at least two released before that one.
The 80 million man, which is also a title of a previous book about him, was at Santiago Bernabeu in person, when the book was revealed. "'Sueños Cumplidos", which is the Spanish title is a biography of Cristiano Ronaldo written by Enrique Ortego.
Real Madrid have started a book series about it's best players. President Florentino Perez saying: "Real Madrid is on the right path. This club is talent, ambition and sacrifice combined. We have the best. That's what I learned from Santiago Bernabeu. Cristiano is very devoted and has a unique and very special talent. I wish to highlight his hunger for titles and his ambition to improve. He always wants to do his best, something that goes hand in hand with Real Madrid's philosophy. This was born with men like Alfredo di Stefano. This book will reveal why he experiences football like a religion. There are many stereotypes and misconceptions about him that the book clears. Cristiano and the Bernabeu are the perfect match to feed this legend. But the best of all these dreams is still to come."
But the fact that this isn't the first book about Cristiano Ronaldo, shows the magnitude of his influence, not only in the footballing World, but in the World as a general.
I certainly wouldn't thought there would be another brand footballer since David Beckham, but I've been proved wrong. I also wouldn't have thought Ronaldo would ever get this big. He was a talented player at Manchester United and grew in stature, but as a icon? Naah!
The man from Madeira with a difficult past had defied the odds, though. I wouldn't be surprised if he's already passed David Beckham in popularity and it's only a matter of time until he does it financially. And there's a similar pattern. Not only in the way, that both raise to prominence at Manchester United, but the marketing of them. Beckham took the definition of a world class footballer to another level with marketing, which lead him being the best known footballer ever. Even the Yanks recognized him! Ronaldo is following in the same footprints.
Beckham's career is slowly fading away, but Ronaldo's has only just started. He could end up as a synonym of his sports best parts, like Michael Jordan is for basketball or Muhhamad Ali for boxing. A true sporting hero. And a legend.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Vidic not thinking about SA just yet
Serbian defensive rock Nemanja Vidic has admitted he's currently totally focused on his club Manchester United, rather than his international team.
"There is still so much time to the World Cup so for now I am concentrating on the big matches I have with Manchester United", said the man, who's capped 44 times for his country.
Vidic actually missed the last World Cup in Germany. 2006 was the year in which he made his big move to Manchester United from Spartak Moscow and was expected to shine at the World stage with his club performances back then not very good, but faith intervened and thus the no nonsense defender missed out on a place in the Serbia & Montenegro squad.
Serbia will face tough, group D in South Africa. Even though captain Michael Ballack has come out an said that he doesn't see Germany as favorites, you'd expect the 3-times World Champions to get through from the group. Question remains, who'll be the second to proceed. Serbia have a good squad, and in my thoughts capable of a surprise, but a lot will depend on their group matches. If they can get out of it, they could go far.
An opinion, Vidic agrees with: "It is very important to start well. We had a problem with injuries last time and were in a difficult group to start with and it just didn't go well. Obviously it is not easy this time either but I don't think we should complain about that. We have some players who are at good teams in Europe and we still have a chance to reach the next round."
Learning from past mistakes
In 1998 Nigeria had a great World Cup campaign in France. The Flying Eagles topped their group and played some breathtaking football. It all turned sour soon though. After the group stage, the players started demanding bigger bonus payments for their performance. Focus was lost and 4-1 exit came in the next round versus Denmark.
This time around, the Nigerian FA wants to avoid the same thing happening and talks are already going on regarding the tournament still over half a year away.
Spokesman Ademola Olajire has gone on record saying: "It is crucial to have this meeting with the players to prevent any form of misunderstanding which could derail preparations and execution of this tournament. Unfortunately many people have already started talking about the money and referring to past incidents - but everything will be sorted out before we get to South Africa for the World Cup. This is a positive step forward for a successful campaign".
With players like John Obi Mikel, Yakubu and Yobo, no doubt the side has the quality to go far. Everybody are looking at Ivory Coast to upheld the African honour in the continent's first ever World Cup, but in my opinion, Nigeria are just as capable. If they only could avoid off the pitch distractions, like the bonus payments from disrupting the dressing room.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Ki to join Celtic
South Korea's Ki Sung-Yong will join 42-times Scottish Champions Glasgow Celtic in January.
The 20-year old midfielder, who's voted Asian Young Player of the Year 2009, was granted a work permit and will now player part in Celtic squad in the quest for another league title.
Ki leaves FC Seoul, but he actually grew up in Brisbane, Australia. Being fluent in English will no doubt help his career in Scotland.
The player was ever present in South Korea's qualifying campaign for the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa and will be hoping to feature in the finals as well.
He'll be greeted at Celtic Park by another Asian, Chinese international Zheng Zhi, who joined the club from Charlton Athletic in the summer.
It could've been a real Asian invasion at Celtic, but Japanese star Shunsuke Nakamura left this summer after 4 successful years in Scotland for Espanyol in Spain.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
The curious case of vuvuzuela
A weird, and some said irritating, non-stop buzzing noise that distracts you from the football game in hand.
Other, more important, people though aren't as adaptive as me. Whilst FIFA have their concerns that vuvuzela could end up being used as a weapon or advertising board, and want it banned because of this, then players and commentators want it banned because it's hard to communicate on the pitch and the buzzing sound drowns out the commentators voices.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Donovan off to Everton?
USA superstar Landon Donovan has been linked with a loan move to Everton in the English Premier League.
It it thought the forward would be keen on joining Everton to keep himself match fit after the end of the MLS season, like the case with David Beckham joining AC Milan in January.
Everton would also welcome the deal as there's an injury crisis and also star striker Yakubu will join up with the Nigeria squad in January for the African Cup of Nations.
It wouldn't be the first time Donovan would make a switch to Europe. As a youngster he was part of Bayer Leverkusen and past January he was also on loan from LA Galaxy at FC Bayern.
But his adventures in Europe haven't been a great success. Whilst on his day he's a unstoppable player in the MLS, he's struggled to leave his mark in European football. Maybe this time.
Meanwhile Donovan's possible future teammate Joseph Yobo, who recently said the African Cup of Nations is an ideal test before the World Cup, has been ruled out until the New Year with a hamstring injury and is in danger of missing out on the Angola 2010 squad.
Nigeria manager Shaibu Amodu will already have to do without Real Zaragoza striker Ikechukwu Uche, with a host of players, including Wolfsburg's Obafemi Martins, doubtful for the tournament starting on 10 January.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Owen sends a message out to Capello
6 days away from his 30th birthday, Michael Owen scored his first hat-trick for Manchester United yesterday. The striker hadn't scored three goals in one match since 2005. And what a time to do it, in the Champions League under every one's attention, including England manager Fabio Capello.
Owen has been out of the England picture for a while now. Injuries and poor form at Newcastle lead to this, but ever since he signed for Manchester United, it has been speculated that he might make the final call to the England squad for South Africa 2010.
Even though Capello likes to practise a 5-4-1 formation, with no room for Owen as a targetman, or a 4-4-2, with partnership of a small and big striker with Owen's Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney a certainty for the small striker spot, the Italian has offered Owen hope that he still might have a future in the England squad.
"I only ever call up the best players or at least the players who are most suited to the way I wish to play. Both David Beckham - who I worked with for a year at Real Madrid - and Michael Owen are wonderful professionals who could still play vital roles for England. I will never close the door to the national team on anyone", said Capello shortly after taking the job.
The player himself has been humble, saying he has to focus on his club first before dreaming of a place in his nations squad.
"England is something I don't really think about. It is probably something people talk about a lot more than I think about really. The last squad I was in was over a year ago now. I have played for England 89 times and I would love to play for England again. But I am concentrating on playing for Manchester United. I genuinely go to bed thinking that I have got to play well the next day and win games for Manchester United, not that if I score or play well I might get picked for England", said the man, who's scored 40 times in his 89 caps for England.
Looking at the competition Owen would face in the England squad, it's hard to give a concrete opinion. Whilst Wayne Rooney will be certainly picked, other spots are wide open.
Jermain Defoe is a good striker, and he recently scored 5 in one match, but he has a habit of going missing in games and wasting clear cut chances. The latter part also goes to Darren Bent. Whilst the Sunderland striker has yet to feature much under Capello, the 25 year old is in spectacular form this season with 9 goals scored. But as said, he does miss chances and hasn't really got international experience and would probably not be a very smart choice from Capello. And I'm a big fan on Bent! I backed him to end up Premier League's top scorer this season with pre-season odds of 50/1, which is now cut to 12/1. So look out for my selections for South Africa 2010!
Peter Crouch, who's incredibly got 18 goals in 17 starts for the Three Lion, might also be a automatic selection with his presence and aerial power, but his form this season hasn't been the best.
Another big man Emile Heskey has featured quite a bit under Capello, but he's not a week in week out starter at his club, Aston Villa, and might be overlooked, as Capello has said, he'll only pick players who are 100% fit for his finals squad.
From a younger generation, Heskey's Villa teammate Gabriel Agbonlahor has been part of the last couple of squads. While Theo Walcott, who was thrown into the deep end in Germany 2006 by Sven-Göran Eriksson, often struggles with injuries, even though he's a brilliant player on his day, proving that in England's win away to Croatia in the qualifying group.
Carlton Cole also deserves a mention. But he, like Bent, lacks international experience, even though he's showing good form in the league.
So, everything looks open for a England recall for Michael Owen. He already won the fans trust and Sir Alex Ferguson's backing with yesterday's hat-trick. Now it's only up to him to convince Capello with the fact, that Michael Owen is one of the most clinical finishers in the game.
*Ignore the crappy music
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Saha wants a plane ticket to South Africa
Everton striker Louis Saha has said he'd be delighted to get a call up for France for the World Cup finals. "I am trying to put thoughts of a World Cup call-up to one side. I need to concentrate on my form for Everton. Obviously though if I got a call-up I would love to be there", said the man, who last featured for Les Blues in 2008.
Saha's career has been plagued with injuries, but he's one of the most dangerous strikers, when he's 100% fit. Proving that this season, having already found the net 9 times in the Premier League.
It's no doubt hard to get into the French side, especially if you're a striker. Anelka, Henry and Benzema should be nailed on selections for the strikers department, there's probably only one slot left.
Saha has to compete with players like André-Pierre Gignac and Bafétimbi Gomis. Gignac has was in great form last season in the Ligue 1, in the end topping the scorers chart by a country mile and 24 goals (Benzema and PSG's Guillaume Hoarau followed with 17). This season the goals have been hard to come and there are doubts if he has the quality to perform at international level. Gomis was a star for Saint-Etienne last season, but has found himself sharing game time with Lisandro Lopez this season at Lyon.
Regarding the controversial qualification for France, Saha agreed with his former Manchester United teammate Roy Keane, saying: "It is a shame people are still talking about the way France qualified. It was a decision made by the referee but it wasn't a decision in the last minute. There was plenty of time for the Republic of Ireland to score another goal. France did the job so we should move on now."
Group H overview
Honduras
Chile
Spain
Switzerland
Fixtures:
16/06/2010, Nelspruit, Honduras vs Chile
16/06/2010, Durban, Spain vs Switzerland
21/06/2010, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Chile vs Switzerland
21/06/2010, Johannesburg - JEP, Spain vs Honduras
25/06/2010, Tshwane/Pretoria, Chile vs Spain
25/06/2010, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Switzerland vs Honduras
Reigning European Champions should feel right at home in this group with two other Spanish speaking nations (no pun intended). Also, as mentioned before, they're lucky they'll meet Chile in the last round, when they already might have secured their qualification. Switzerland are also good, but I'm backing Chile to go through as the 2nd team. Don't know much about Honduras.
So probably Spain will meet probably Ivory Coast or Portugal in the second stage. Chile to take on Brazil. What a match that will be!
Group G overview
Ivory Coast
Portugal
Brazil
Korea DPR
Fixtures:
15/06/2010, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Ivory Coast vs Portugal
15/06/2010, Johannesburg - JEP, Brazil vs Korea DPR
20/06/2010, Johannesburg - JSC, Brazil vs Ivory Coast
21/06/2010, Cape Town, Portugal vs Korea DPR
25/06/2010, Durban, Portugal vs Brazil
25/06/2010, Nelspruit, Korea DPR vs Ivory Coast
Korea DPR are no doubt cursing their luck regarding the draw. The mighty Brazilians already in the first match! While Didier Drogba's teammates are probably cursing him for jinxing their draw. But to their luck Portugal aren't the side they used to be, so a win in the first match would give a big boost to their qualifying chances. "Brazilian derby", as Dunga cleverly noted, in the last set of fixtures.
Second team will have the joy of facing European Champions Spain in the next round. Brazil will take on the 2nd team from group H.
Group F overview
Italy
Paraguay
New Zealand
Slovakia
Fixtures:
14/06/2010, Cape Town, Italy vs Paraguay
15/06/2010, Rustenburg, New Zealand vs Slovakia
20/06/2010, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Slovakia vs Paraguay
20/06/2010, Nelspruit, Italy vs New Zealand
24/06/2010, Johannesburg - JEP, Slovakia vs Italy
24/06/2010, Polokwane, Paraguay vs New Zealand
New Zealand got lucky with the fixtures here. While they probably the weakest team of the whole competition, opposition Slovakia might not have enough experience to get an easy win. Italy have a tough opening match, while it gets easier for the defending Champs down the road. While the fixtures list might also turn out to be a very favourably one. If they can beat New Zealand, while Paraguay lose to Italy, it would be a major step towards getting through from the group.
Runner up of the group will meet the Netherlands in the next stage. Winner (Italy) will take on runner-up from group E.
Group E overview
Netherlands
Denmark
Japan
Cameroon
Fixtures:
14/06/2010, Johannesburg - JSC, Netherlands vs Denmark
14/06/2010, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Japan vs Cameroon
19/06/2010, Durban, Netherlands vs Japan
19/06/2010, Tshwane/Pretoria, Cameroon vs Denmark
24/06/2010, Rustenburg, Denmark vs Japan
24/06,2010, Cape Town, Cameroon vs Netherlands
While the Netherlands are quite big favorites here, the fixtures list cause quite a nice intrigue. Cameroon will be backed by familiar surroundings, Denmark are always capable of a surprise versus bigger teams and Japan aren't no pushovers either. All could go down to the last round here.
The winner will get group F 2nd team in the next stage, while runner-up will meet the group F winner.
Sørensen looking to impress
Denmark's goalkeeper has revealed a place in the national team side keeps him motivated to perform at his highest level for his club, Stoke City.
"It's a fantastic thing and the biggest thing you can be involved in. It's great to have something at the end of the season to look forward to and that spurs you on. In terms of motivation, you hope that all of the hard work you put in, you will get the benefits of in the summer", said the man currently has 83 caps to his name.
After the legendary Peter Schmeichel retired, Sørensen has been ever present in the Danish goal and looks certain to be Denmark's nr.1 also in South Africa.
There really isn't much competition for the goalkeeping place in Denmark, even though Sørensen says he has to be at his best for his club to get the nod. That's just being polite.
Jesper Christiansen has been voted Danish Goalkeeper of the Year three times, but he's still playing in the local league with FC Kopenhagen. Stephan Andersen is another one, who has played in some games for the country, but never really made the nr.1 gloves his own. The former Charlton stopper is now also back in the local league with Brondby. He was once rated as a hot prospect for the future, but while he's a good player, Sørensen can probably feel safe with his position. Especially with his club Stoke doing well in the Premier League.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Yobo and Odemwingie call for focus
Two Nigeria's most experienced players, captain Joseph Yobo and Peter Odemwingie, who's recently started to use his other first name Osaze, have called for commitment and focus from their younger teammates.
Nigeria made it through to South Africa in the last minute, winning their last match and so edging out Tunisia, costing me some betting money (not bitter at all, he-hee).
Yobo wasn't happy with the teams performance through out the qualifying process and now wants better performance in the finals. "We have to now change our attitude and mentality so it won't be a disastrous World Cup for this generation. Nigerians want to see a change in approach, see a change in commitment", said the Everton player, who today injured himself in his teams 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Odemwingie seconds these thoughts. The striker also reckons the teams should start building their team-spirit with the African Cup of Nations next month. He said: "A brilliant outing at the World Cup will depend largely on what happens between now and then. Angola provides us with a platform to fix the problems affecting us and that should help mould us into a team that will be able to represent Nigeria effectively."
Have to agree with them. Nigeria haven't won anything since the Olympics in 1996. That was seen a big rise to the nation, but the generation failed and players like Sunday Oliseh, Jay-Jay Okocha and Finidi couldn't deliver neither Nations Cup glory nor World Cup success.
And the topic in hand is spot on. While the team has always had talented players, they've always failed to perform as a team, with individuals taking over matches and causing unrest in the dressing room.
The current side is quite youthful and no doubt Yobo and Odemwingie amongst the senior members have to bond the group and you might even say teach the younger players to work as a unit.
Group D overview
Germany
Australia
Serbia
Ghana
Fixtures:
13/06/2010, Durban, Germany vs Australia
13/06/2010, Tshwane/Pretoria, Serbia vs Ghana
18/06/2010, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Germany vs Serbia
19/06/2010, Rustenburg, Ghana vs Australia
23/06/2010, Johannesburg - JSC, Ghana vs Germany
23/06/2010, Nelspruit, Australia vs Serbia
While the group line-up looks very hard and competitive, Germany can actually be happy with the draw. Australia are good team, but not really the side they were under Guus Hiddink, so I expect the Germans to win their first match.
As a matter of fact, I'm going to go and say it that Australia won't make it past the group stage. The one, who'll go through alongside Germany might be decided already in the 1st round of matches, with a win giving a huge boost for either Ghana or Serbia.
Winner of this group will meet the second team from group C, while the runner-up will meet the group C winner.
Group C overview
England
USA
Algeria
Slovenia
Fixtures:
12/06/2010 , Rustenburg, England vs USA
13/06/2010, Polokwane, Algeria vs Slovenia
18/06/2010, Johannesburg - JEP, Slovenia vs USA
18/07/2010, Cape Town, England vs Algeria
23/06/2010, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, Slovenia vs England
23/06/2010, Tshwane/Pretoria, USA vs Algeria
This group looks more straight forward than the previous two. But there's intrigue also here. The first match - England vs USA. While you'd expect England to win this game, USA have come on leaps and bounds in recent years and that win certainly won't come easy. Even if you look at the FIFA rankings. England is 9th and the US 14th.
The favorites will probably go through here. Slovenia's and Algeria's only hope would be that they could win the match between themselves and hope for a draw in the England - USA match up.
Winner of this group will take on runner-up of group D, while the 2nd place will meet group D winners (probably Germany).
Group B overview
Argentina
Nigeria
South Korea
Greece
Fixtures:
12/06/2010, Johannesburg - JEP, Argentina vs Nigeria
12/06/2010, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, South Korea vs Greece
17/06/2010, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, Greece vs Nigeria
17/06/2010, Johannesburg - JSC, Argentina vs South Korea
22/06/2010, Durban, Nigeria vs South Korea
22/06/2010, Polokwane, Greece vs Argentina
Much like France in group A, Argentina are here looked like the one, who will run away with the group win here. And it can happen, if Maradona can get things right. Big part of this group's outcome will depend on the 1st round of matches. If the better teams, at least according to FIFA rankings, Argentina and Greece can win their first matches, then it would be very hard to dislodge them.
Again, I don't want to offer any predictions here, but I do think that Argentina will make it through. They've got a very nice fixtures list, even though all the teams are good here.
This group is linked with group A, so the winners will meet group A 2nd and runner-up the winner of group A.
Group A overview
South Africa
Mexico
Uruguay
France
Fixtures:
11/06/2010, Johannesburg - JSC, South Africa vs Mexico
11/06/2010, Cape Town, Uruguay vs France
16/06/2010, Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa vs Uruguay
16/06/2010, Polokwane, France vs Mexico
22/06/2010, Rustenburg, Mexico vs Uruguay
22/06/2010, Mangaung/Bloemfontein, France vs South Africa
At first glance it looks like a straight forward France dominated group, with the rest fighting out for the 2nd place. A statement South Africa star Steven Pienaar agrees with: "For us to go to the second round, that is the expectation of the people. I think we can get out of the group. Mexico and Uruguay play quite similar to us, only France will be a bit of a challenge for us."
I would not be so certain with things. Anything can happen with Raymond Domenech in charge of France. The fixtures list also doesn't favour the 1998 winners. They have to take on FIFA rankings nr. 19 in Uruguay and nr. 15 in Mexico, before South Africa, who are the worst ranked team in the whole competition with 86.
I don't expect any of the teams to reach 6 points here. South Africa's ranking doesn't really reflect their quality and with thousands of fans behind them, they won't be pushovers. I personally have seen all the teams, except Mexico, in action recently and I can see all the games being very tight and the group as a whole very competitive.
Winner of the group will meet group B's second team and the runner-up will meet the group B winner (Argentina). Imagine France - Argentina already in the first knock-out stage. Awesome stuff.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Draw reaction
All the managers from the participating nations, except Diego Maradona, who's banned by FIFA for 2 months, were at the draw and here's what some of them had to say.
Host nation, South Africa's, Brazilian manager Carlos Alberto Parreira thought the draw was very open with no real "Group of Deaths" emerging. About group A and his team's chances he said: "Up against two former world champions – France and Uruguay – I realise that the task ahead looks difficult, but we're ready to tackle it head-on with pride and courage. A tough challenge awaits us, but we're capable of meeting it if we put in the hard work in the run-up."
Mexico's manager Javier Aguirre thinks the host nation might be under incredible pressure to perform, while he believes that his side will be able to good enough to get past the group stage, saying: "I’m not going to label this group either difficult or manageable – I’m going to call it unique, without one clear favourite."
France's Raymond Domenech worried about other things, rather than possible opponents. "We won’t be playing any of our group matches at altitude, which was something I really wanted to avoid."
A topic, which was also in the head of England manager Fabio Capello. "We’re playing the last two group games at sea level, so that’s going to be a different challenge from our opening match in Rustenburg. But I won’t be offering excuses. Every team will have to meet awkward opponents, play in difficult conditions and win matches to win the World Cup", said the Italian.
Contrary to his fellow managers, Marcelo Lippi of defending champs Italy, denied that was going to be a problem.
Nigeria manager Shaibu Amodu, who might not hold this position come next summer, brought parallels with USA 1994: "We are in a difficult group – with Argentina, Greece and Korea. This is a similar group to the one we had at the 1994 World Cup and I don't want to talk about history but people will remember how we performed at that tournament even though people thought we wouldn't do well."
From the most evenly matched group, group D, Germany manager Joachim Low said: "I wouldn't say we were too lucky with the draw. It's not going to be an easy section, but it's certainly not beyond us. What strikes me is that it's a very balanced group. We're looking forward to the challenge and we know that it's going to be important for our confidence to win our opening match against Australia."
While other managers from the teams in that group labelled Germany as clear favorites, with Pim Verbeek of Australia and Milovan Rajevic of Ghana, saying they're one of the best teams in the World.
Same applies with group E. Everyone agreeing it's a tight group, but saying that the Netherlands are the best.
Dunga of Brazil squashed the talks about group G being the "Group of Death" saying: "I don’t like all that 'Group of Death' stuff. If you look at the draw, you’ll see that all the groups, perhaps with the exception of Spain’s, are very even. North Korea are, in theory, a weaker side, but it’s tricky playing against a team you don’t know much about." While also having a pop at rivals Portugal, saying with three Brazil born players in Carlos Queiroz's side, it will be like Brazil versus Brazil B.
Ivory Coast's Vahid Halilhodzic was far from a good mood: "To be honest it’s a terrible group. Very, very difficult. Brazil are second in the FIFA World Ranking and Portugal are fifth. It’s hard to imagine anything worse than that. Before the draw I said: “I’ll take anyone except Brazil or Spain.” I think a black cat must have followed me here in Cape Town."
Current European Champions Spain's boss Vincente Del Bosque complimented his opposition: "Before the draw we said that Chile were the side we wanted to avoid but now we've got to go and face them. They're an awkward team with some very good players and they could do a lot of damage. Honduras also had an excellent qualification campaign and they're a very technical side. As for Switzerland, we know them a little better but I don't think we should be either celebrating how the draw has turned out or getting worried"
Friday, December 4, 2009
World Cup 2010: Match Schedule
| Match times are currently set to local time | |||||
| Group A Match | Date - Time | Venue | |||
| 1 | 11/06 16:00 | Johannesburg | South Africa | vs | Mexico |
| 2 | 11/06 20:30 | Cape Town | Uruguay | vs | France |
| 17 | 16/06 20:30 | Tshwane/Pretoria | South Africa | vs | Uruguay |
| 18 | 17/06 20:30 | Polokwane | France | vs | Mexico |
| 33 | 22/06 16:00 | Rustenburg | Mexico | vs | Uruguay |
| 34 | 22/06 16:00 | Mangaung | France | vs | South Africa |
| Group B Match | Date - Time | Venue | |||
| 3 | 12/06 16:00 | Johannesburg | Argentina | vs | Nigeria |
| 4 | 12/06 13:30 | Nelson Mandela Bay | Korea Rep | vs | Greece |
| 19 | 17/06 16:00 | Mangaung | Greece | vs | Nigeria |
| 20 | 17/06 13:30 | Johannesburg | Argentina | vs | Korea Rep |
| 35 | 22/06 20:30 | Durban | Nigeria | vs | Korea Rep |
| 36 | 22/06 20:30 | Polokwane | Greece | vs | Argentina |
| Group C Match | Date - Time | Venue | |||
| 5 | 12/06 20:30 | Rustenburg | England | vs | USA |
| 6 | 13/06 13:30 | Polokwane | Algeria | vs | Slovenia |
| 22 | 18/06 16:00 | Johannesburg | Slovenia | vs | USA |
| 23 | 18/06 20:30 | Cape Town | England | vs | Algeria |
| 37 | 23/06 16:00 | Nelson Mandela Bay | Slovenia | vs | England |
| 38 | 23/06 16:00 | Tshwane/Pretoria | USA | vs | Algeria |
| Group D Match | Date - Time | Venue | |||
| 7 | 13/06 20:30 | Durban | Germany | vs | Australia |
| 8 | 13/06 16:00 | Tshwane/Pretoria | Serbia | vs | Ghana |
| 21 | 18/06 13:30 | Nelson Mandela Bay | Germany | vs | Serbia |
| 24 | 19/06 16:00 | Rustenburg | Ghana | vs | Australia |
| 39 | 23/06 20:30 | Johannesburg | Ghana | vs | Germany |
| 40 | 23/06 20:30 | Nelspruit | Australia | vs | Serbia |
| Group E Match | Date - Time | Venue | |||
| 9 | 14/06 13:30 | Johannesburg | Netherlands | vs | Denmark |
| 10 | 14/06 16:00 | Mangaung | Japan | vs | Cameroon |
| 25 | 19/06 13:30 | Durban | Netherlands | vs | Japan |
| 26 | 19/06 20:30 | Tshwane/Pretoria | Cameroon | vs | Denmark |
| 43 | 24/06 20:30 | Rustenburg | Denmark | vs | Japan |
| 44 | 24/06 20:30 | Cape Town | Cameroon | vs | Netherlands |
| Group F Match | Date - Time | Venue | |||
| 11 | 14/06 20:30 | Cape Town | Italy | vs | Paraguay |
| 12 | 15/06 13:30 | Rustenburg | New Zealand | vs | Slovakia |
| 27 | 20/06 13:30 | Mangaung | Slovakia | vs | Paraguay |
| 28 | 20/06 16:00 | Nelspruit | Italy | vs | New Zealand |
| 41 | 24/06 16:00 | Johannesburg | Slovakia | vs | Italy |
| 42 | 24/06 16:00 | Polokwane | Paraguay | vs | New Zealand |
| Group G Match | Date - Time | Venue | |||
| 13 | 15/06 16:00 | Nelson Mandela Bay | Côte d'Ivoire | vs | Portugal |
| 14 | 15/06 20:30 | Johannesburg | Brazil | vs | Korea DPR |
| 29 | 20/06 20:30 | Johannesburg | Brazil | vs | Côte d'Ivoire |
| 30 | 21/06 13:30 | Cape Town | Portugal | vs | Korea DPR |
| 45 | 25/06 16:00 | Durban | Portugal | vs | Brazil |
| 46 | 25/06 16:00 | Nelspruit | Korea DPR | vs | Côte d'Ivoire |
| Group H Match | Date - Time | Venue | |||
| 15 | 16/06 13:30 | Nelspruit | Honduras | vs | Chile |
| 16 | 16/06 16:00 | Durban | Spain | vs | Switzerland |
| 31 | 21/06 16:00 | Nelson Mandela Bay | Chile | vs | Switzerland |
| 32 | 21/06 20:30 | Johannesburg | Spain | vs | Honduras |
| 47 | 25/06 20:30 | Tshwane/Pretoria | Chile | vs | Spain |
| 48 | 25/06 20:30 | Mangaung | Switzerland | vs | Honduras |
