Asia World Cup qualifying: What’s next?
4 years ago
Showing posts with label World Cup Latest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Cup Latest. Show all posts
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
ENZO BEARZOT DIES
Enzo Bearzot, the manager of the World Cup-winning Italian team of 1982, died today at the age of 83 in Milan.
Under Bearzot's guidance, Italy triumphed at Espana 82 after a dreadful start. They drew all three of their first round group games before going on to defeat Argentina, Brazil, Poland and West Germany to win the World Cup for a third time.
The manager's decision to keep faith with striker Paulo Rossi - who seemed completely out-of-sorts in the first three games - was widely criticized at the time by the Italian press, yet proved to be the turning point of the World Cup. Rossi ended up with the Golden Boot following a hat-trick against Brazil, a brace against Poland, and the opening goal against the Germans in the Final.
Bearzot became the coach of the national side in 1977 and steered Italy to a fourth-placed finish at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.
His reign ended after the 1986 World Cup in Mexico when the defending champions bowed out disappointingly in the second round against France.
Bearzot's death today strangely falls on the same day as the passing of Vittorio Pozzo (December 21 1968), the man who managed the Italian national team to their first two World Cup triumphs in 1934 and 1938.
Thursday, 2 December 2010
JOY FOR RUSSIA AND QATAR IN WORLD CUP HOSTING VOTE
Russia and Qatar will host the 2018 and 2022 World Cup tournaments following the voting rounds today in Zurich, which left nine other bidders - England, Holland/Belgium, Spain/Portugal (2018) and Australia, Japan, South Korea and the USA (2022) - desolate at missing out.
By voting two new hosts for its showpiece event FIFA appear to be continuing with a policy of seeking to expand the frontiers of the global game.
It was not a surprise to see Russia land the 2018 tournament as they have been the favourites throughout the majority of the bidding campaign, but Qatar beating the USA in the final round of voting for 2026 is a result that few were expecting.
England endured a dismal World Cup in South Africa earlier this year, and their elimination in the first round of voting today rounds off a year to forget for the Three Lions. They secured only two of the 22 votes today; a real kick in the teeth made all the more bitter when remembered in conjunction with their missing out on hosting the World Cup in 2006 as well. They now know that the next opportunity will not present itself until 2030.
The 2022 tournament will be the first 'Middle Eastern' World Cup, and the immediate on-the-pitch factor that stands out will be the searing heat.
By voting two new hosts for its showpiece event FIFA appear to be continuing with a policy of seeking to expand the frontiers of the global game.
It was not a surprise to see Russia land the 2018 tournament as they have been the favourites throughout the majority of the bidding campaign, but Qatar beating the USA in the final round of voting for 2026 is a result that few were expecting.
England endured a dismal World Cup in South Africa earlier this year, and their elimination in the first round of voting today rounds off a year to forget for the Three Lions. They secured only two of the 22 votes today; a real kick in the teeth made all the more bitter when remembered in conjunction with their missing out on hosting the World Cup in 2006 as well. They now know that the next opportunity will not present itself until 2030.
The 2022 tournament will be the first 'Middle Eastern' World Cup, and the immediate on-the-pitch factor that stands out will be the searing heat.
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
FIFA SET FOR BIG VOTE
This time tomorrow the hosts for the two World Cups following Brazil 2014 will also be known.
In a break with tradition, FIFA are set to name the hosts for the following two tournaments - 2018 and 2022 - on one day.
That day is tomorrow. In Zurich, Switzerland, where the governing body of World Football has its plush headquarters, at around 3pm; that's when and where the results of the vote will be announced.
For 2018, a joint bid by Holland and Belgium - neither of whom has hosted a World Cup before - is considered to be the rank outsider bid. England, Russia and another joint bid (Spain/Portugal) are competing to land the prestigious task of hosting what will be Europe's first World Cup for 12 years.
Because of FIFA's continental rotation policy for hosting, the 2022 tournament must be held outside Europe, and there are five hopeful candidates. They are Australia, Qatar, South Korea, USA and Japan. It wouldn't surprise me if we saw a maiden host voted for this one.
My guess is that England or Russia will win the race for the 2018 World Cup. It's really hard to call is between these two, I think England would be the right choice at this time, but I do sense there is some antagonism towards the English bid from within FIFA, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if Russia were given the tournament. I'm expecting either Australia or Qatar to get the nod for 2022. The USA are undoubtedly in with a shout as well.
In a break with tradition, FIFA are set to name the hosts for the following two tournaments - 2018 and 2022 - on one day.
That day is tomorrow. In Zurich, Switzerland, where the governing body of World Football has its plush headquarters, at around 3pm; that's when and where the results of the vote will be announced.
For 2018, a joint bid by Holland and Belgium - neither of whom has hosted a World Cup before - is considered to be the rank outsider bid. England, Russia and another joint bid (Spain/Portugal) are competing to land the prestigious task of hosting what will be Europe's first World Cup for 12 years.
Because of FIFA's continental rotation policy for hosting, the 2022 tournament must be held outside Europe, and there are five hopeful candidates. They are Australia, Qatar, South Korea, USA and Japan. It wouldn't surprise me if we saw a maiden host voted for this one.
My guess is that England or Russia will win the race for the 2018 World Cup. It's really hard to call is between these two, I think England would be the right choice at this time, but I do sense there is some antagonism towards the English bid from within FIFA, so I wouldn't be at all surprised if Russia were given the tournament. I'm expecting either Australia or Qatar to get the nod for 2022. The USA are undoubtedly in with a shout as well.
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
SPAIN'S DATE WITH DESTINY
Spain, then, have finally achieved the ultimate goal and landed the biggest Trophy that it's possible to win on Planet Earth.
And not before time. This was a date with destiny. Perennial underachievers no longer. Years of failures and frustrations. Tears and heartache. Inevitable moments of believing that it would never happen, that the dream would never come to pass. And then one day it comes, that one Victory that contains all the power in the world to heal the scars of the past and turn despair to triumph and heartache to delirious elation.
This was a World Cup of firsts. The first time that Spain have won the Cup. The first time any team has won the Cup after losing their first game. And the first time that a European team has won it outside of their own continent. Spain have made history in South Africa in 2010.
Germany have now lost to the eventual winners in each of the three World Cups since the turn of the century. For the second World Cup running the team that knocked out Brazil ended up losing the Final.
Holland have now appeared in three Finals and not won any of them. England's seemingly interminable wait for a shot at glory goes on as they continue to flatter to deceive.
The rise of the Asian sides was a feature in South Africa, and the closely fought nature of matches such as Paraguay v Spain and Uruguay v Holland and the third/fourth-place match are also indicative of the gap between so-called big teams and the rest of the world closing. The fates that befell the mighty France and Italy may become a common occurrence for the big guns in future tournaments.
The closing images of the World Cup - Iniesta's late strike and the jubilant celebrations that followed - must have warmed the heart of many neutrals across the world; for Spain were worthy Champions, and fully deserve their moment. For now - and rightly so - they reign peerless, perched majestically at the summit of World Football.
Saturday, 10 July 2010
WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SATURDAY 10 JULY
Third Place Match
Uruguay v Germany
I've never liked this match or really seen the point of it. FIFA like to have their "top four" anyway. Let's get it over with and let the poor players go home.
MATCH PREDICTION: Uruguay 2-1 Germany
Uruguay v Germany
I've never liked this match or really seen the point of it. FIFA like to have their "top four" anyway. Let's get it over with and let the poor players go home.
MATCH PREDICTION: Uruguay 2-1 Germany
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTION WEDNESDAY 7 JULY
SEMI-FINAL
Germany v Spain
Simply mouthwatering. I expect a classic match, and I also expect nobody in the world to agree with my prediction.
MATCH PREDICTION: Germany 2-2 Spain.
It'll be 1-1 at 90 minutes. Germany will take the lead and Spain will hit back late. Perhaps Torres after coming on. After extra-time it'll be 2-2. Spain will take the lead but the Germans will save the day and send the game to the drama of penalties. And then - Spain will win.
Germany v Spain
Simply mouthwatering. I expect a classic match, and I also expect nobody in the world to agree with my prediction.
MATCH PREDICTION: Germany 2-2 Spain.
It'll be 1-1 at 90 minutes. Germany will take the lead and Spain will hit back late. Perhaps Torres after coming on. After extra-time it'll be 2-2. Spain will take the lead but the Germans will save the day and send the game to the drama of penalties. And then - Spain will win.
Tuesday, 6 July 2010
WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS TUESDAY 6 JULY
SEMI-FINAL
Uruguay v Holland
This semi-final guarantees that, for the first time since 1978, a team outside the 'Big Five' of Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina and France will be in the World Cup Final. The absence of Luis Suarez following his goal line handball against Ghana tips this one heavily in favour of the Dutch for me. Since Holland's last appearance in a major final - Euro 88 - they have lost four semi-finals, in the World Cup in 1998 and in the European Championships in 1992, 2000 and 2004. It's about time they won one, and I think they will.
MATCH PREDICTION: Uruguay 0-2 Holland
Uruguay v Holland
This semi-final guarantees that, for the first time since 1978, a team outside the 'Big Five' of Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina and France will be in the World Cup Final. The absence of Luis Suarez following his goal line handball against Ghana tips this one heavily in favour of the Dutch for me. Since Holland's last appearance in a major final - Euro 88 - they have lost four semi-finals, in the World Cup in 1998 and in the European Championships in 1992, 2000 and 2004. It's about time they won one, and I think they will.
MATCH PREDICTION: Uruguay 0-2 Holland
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
ASIAN TEAMS CAN HOLD THEIR HEADS HIGH
South Korea and Japan may have returned home from South Africa but they can do so with their heads held high after both broke new ground at the World Cup.
Prior to this tournament neither nation had ever reached the second round on foreign soil, and both not only achieved that this time but with a bit of luck could have gone further.
The Koreans lost narrowly to Uruguay after dominating the game for long periods of the second half, and were only undone by one of the goals of the tournament scored by Luis Suarez in the closing minutes of the game.
In a competition which is proving to be highly successful for the South American teams, Japan lost to Paraguay yesterday in the first penalty shootout of this World Cup following a 0-0 stalemate in Pretoria.
Both South Korea and Japan have impressed and it is clear that the gap between the traditional giants of world football and countries like these two Asian nations is narrowing. A growing number of Korean and Japanese players now ply their trade in the European Leagues, which is testament to their improved technical ability compared to ten or fifteen years ago. There is also a team ethic evident in the way their national teams play that was sorely lacking in the supposedly superior French and English sides, both of whom capitulated in dismal fashion in South Africa.
Back in the 1980s Pele predicted that an African team would win the World Cup by the year 2000. A quarter-final appearance by Cameroon in 1990 was the best result from a team from that continent, an achievement that was equalled by Senegal in 2002 and could be bettered this time round by Ghana if they beat Uruguay on Friday.
African football on the whole was on the slide following Cameroon's last eight appearance at Italia 90. I can see no reason why the same should be true of the progress of Asian football. In two or three World Cups we could be looking at the likes of Japan and South Korea setting their sites higher and aspiring to win the World Cup itself. This could coincide with the hosting of the tournament returning to Asia - both Japan and South Korea have submitted bids for the 2022 World Cup.
Monday, 28 June 2010
WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS MONDAY 28 JUNE
Holland v Slovakia
Slovakia have surprised a few people to have got through their group, especially after going into their last group match against Italy with only one point. The Dutch have been in cruise control so far, but I think they'll have a difficult afternoon.
MATCH PREDICTION: Holland 2-1 Slovakia
Chile had Spain rattled for the first 20 minutes last Friday and will be good enough to give Brazil a tough game. It's difficult to see anything beyond a victory for the Samba Stars though.
MATCH PREDICTION: Brazil 1-0 Chile
Slovakia have surprised a few people to have got through their group, especially after going into their last group match against Italy with only one point. The Dutch have been in cruise control so far, but I think they'll have a difficult afternoon.
MATCH PREDICTION: Holland 2-1 Slovakia
Brazil v Chile
Chile had Spain rattled for the first 20 minutes last Friday and will be good enough to give Brazil a tough game. It's difficult to see anything beyond a victory for the Samba Stars though.
MATCH PREDICTION: Brazil 1-0 Chile
Sunday, 27 June 2010
WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SUNDAY 27 JUNE
WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:
Germany v England
The tie of the Second Round - so much history bound up with this one. One of these two previous winners must bow out in Blomfontein today. Neither had a smooth ride through the group stage, and both have injury problems. Nobody could predict this one with great certainty.
For me now - and from here on in - it's about a feeling in the gut. Something is telling me this may not be a classic, and not quite as close as form and history suggests it should be.
MATCH PREDICTION: Germany 0-2 England
Argentina v Mexico
This is a repeat of the second round clash four years ago which Argentina won 2-1 after extra time. Following the 2006 World Cup in Germany I thought for a long time that Argentina would win this next one in South Africa. My doubts started when Maradona became the coach. I am convinced that this generation of Argentinian players will have their day in the sun and win a World Cup, I'm just not sure it's going to be here in South Africa under 'Diego'.
This is the best Mexico side I can remember. They will get at a suspect Argentinian defence, and there'll be goals in this one.
MATCH PREDICTION: Argentina 2-2 Mexico
Mexico will break Maradona's heart by progressing on penalties.
Germany v England
The tie of the Second Round - so much history bound up with this one. One of these two previous winners must bow out in Blomfontein today. Neither had a smooth ride through the group stage, and both have injury problems. Nobody could predict this one with great certainty.
For me now - and from here on in - it's about a feeling in the gut. Something is telling me this may not be a classic, and not quite as close as form and history suggests it should be.
MATCH PREDICTION: Germany 0-2 England
Argentina v Mexico
This is a repeat of the second round clash four years ago which Argentina won 2-1 after extra time. Following the 2006 World Cup in Germany I thought for a long time that Argentina would win this next one in South Africa. My doubts started when Maradona became the coach. I am convinced that this generation of Argentinian players will have their day in the sun and win a World Cup, I'm just not sure it's going to be here in South Africa under 'Diego'.
This is the best Mexico side I can remember. They will get at a suspect Argentinian defence, and there'll be goals in this one.
MATCH PREDICTION: Argentina 2-2 Mexico
Mexico will break Maradona's heart by progressing on penalties.
Saturday, 26 June 2010
WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS SATURDAY 26 JUNE
URUGUAY v SOUTH KOREA
The opening match of the last 16, and a fascinating one. South American teams were unbeaten in this World Cup up until last night when Chile lost. Japan and South Korea have both made it through to the second round from Asia, and both have impressed. Asian football is certainly on the rise, and it may only be two or three more World Cups until they become serious contenders.
Uruguay can point to history - but it's all a very long time ago for them. Victory today would see them through to the quarter-finals for the first time in 40 years, and back in 1970 they ended up as losing semi-finalists.
I can't imagine that either side will run away with this one. In fact, my gut says this is going all the way.
MATCH PREDICTION: Uruguay 1-1 South Korea (after extra time)
The Koreans will take the lead but get pegged back. And the two-time winners Uruguay will edge through 4-3 on penalties.
USA v GHANA
The only surviving African team in the competition - will that act as a spur or a burden for Ghana? The USA scraped through with a goal at the death against Algeria - could that be a launching pad for a decent run?
I find this a very difficult one to call. Neither side has the best defence so there could be goals.
MATCH PREDICTION: USA 3-2 GHANA
The States to just edge it and head into the quarters.
The opening match of the last 16, and a fascinating one. South American teams were unbeaten in this World Cup up until last night when Chile lost. Japan and South Korea have both made it through to the second round from Asia, and both have impressed. Asian football is certainly on the rise, and it may only be two or three more World Cups until they become serious contenders.
Uruguay can point to history - but it's all a very long time ago for them. Victory today would see them through to the quarter-finals for the first time in 40 years, and back in 1970 they ended up as losing semi-finalists.
I can't imagine that either side will run away with this one. In fact, my gut says this is going all the way.
MATCH PREDICTION: Uruguay 1-1 South Korea (after extra time)
The Koreans will take the lead but get pegged back. And the two-time winners Uruguay will edge through 4-3 on penalties.
USA v GHANA
The only surviving African team in the competition - will that act as a spur or a burden for Ghana? The USA scraped through with a goal at the death against Algeria - could that be a launching pad for a decent run?
I find this a very difficult one to call. Neither side has the best defence so there could be goals.
MATCH PREDICTION: USA 3-2 GHANA
The States to just edge it and head into the quarters.
TIME TO DELIVER
This is it. No second chances anymore. The knock-out stages of the World Cup are here and it's do-or-die time. Over the next eleven days fourteen more nations will fall by the wayside, and two will be left. The road to Johannesburg is not easy. It's time to separate the living from the dead.
If Brazil do not make the Final from the top half of the draw, then we will have a new Finalist outside the big five (Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Italy and France) for the first time since 1978. With two of those big five already out - the Finalists of four years ago - it looks quite likely that there will be at least one new face present at Soccer City on July 11.
The bottom half of the draw looks like an absolute minefield, with at probably six of the eight times harbouring realistic ambitions of reaching the showpiece Final in 15 days time. The favoured Final of Brazil v Spain is still on, but I remain convinced that will not be it.
Once again, pundits all over the world have been stumped in their predictions of the Group stages, and it seems to me we never learn. Or at least we never remember. Four years is enough time for people to forget the unpredictable nature of how the groups and the knock-out phases unfold. For me, there is no certain outcome of any of the second round matches. Anybody can beat anybody from here on in.
That's why we can all dare to dream.
Every confederation is represented in the second round. Six Europeans. All five South Americans. Two Asians. Two from CONCAF. And one African.
The opportunity is right here, right now. Destiny beckons. This is the moment to seize. This is the chance to reach immortality.
If Brazil do not make the Final from the top half of the draw, then we will have a new Finalist outside the big five (Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Italy and France) for the first time since 1978. With two of those big five already out - the Finalists of four years ago - it looks quite likely that there will be at least one new face present at Soccer City on July 11.
The bottom half of the draw looks like an absolute minefield, with at probably six of the eight times harbouring realistic ambitions of reaching the showpiece Final in 15 days time. The favoured Final of Brazil v Spain is still on, but I remain convinced that will not be it.
Once again, pundits all over the world have been stumped in their predictions of the Group stages, and it seems to me we never learn. Or at least we never remember. Four years is enough time for people to forget the unpredictable nature of how the groups and the knock-out phases unfold. For me, there is no certain outcome of any of the second round matches. Anybody can beat anybody from here on in.
That's why we can all dare to dream.
Every confederation is represented in the second round. Six Europeans. All five South Americans. Two Asians. Two from CONCAF. And one African.
The opportunity is right here, right now. Destiny beckons. This is the moment to seize. This is the chance to reach immortality.
Friday, 25 June 2010
WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS FRIDAY 25 JULY
WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:
Portugal 1-1 Brazil
Brazil will want to top Group G and even though they will probably rest some players, there won't be any slip-ups here. A draw will satisfy both teams' requirements, and therefore it's a logical outcome.
North Korea 2-2 Ivory Coast
I always expected the North Koreans to get a point somewhere, and this is their last chance. Apparently their footware was the problem against Portugal, which is a shame because their spirited display against Brazil should be an abiding memory of this World Cup. An entertaining draw to end with here.
Chile 1-1 Spain
Spain are going to have a hell of a scare today but my gut tells me they will sneak through. The other result will go their way and get them off the hook. Group H on this last day has 'squeaky bum time' written all over it.
Switzerland 0-1 Honduras
The Central American outfit are too good to exit this tournament with nothing and will win here, causing the Swiss much anguish at a failed opportunity when they see the result in the other game.
Portugal 1-1 Brazil
Brazil will want to top Group G and even though they will probably rest some players, there won't be any slip-ups here. A draw will satisfy both teams' requirements, and therefore it's a logical outcome.
North Korea 2-2 Ivory Coast
I always expected the North Koreans to get a point somewhere, and this is their last chance. Apparently their footware was the problem against Portugal, which is a shame because their spirited display against Brazil should be an abiding memory of this World Cup. An entertaining draw to end with here.
Chile 1-1 Spain
Spain are going to have a hell of a scare today but my gut tells me they will sneak through. The other result will go their way and get them off the hook. Group H on this last day has 'squeaky bum time' written all over it.
Switzerland 0-1 Honduras
The Central American outfit are too good to exit this tournament with nothing and will win here, causing the Swiss much anguish at a failed opportunity when they see the result in the other game.
Thursday, 24 June 2010
WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS THURSDAY 24 JUNE
WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:
Slovakia 2-3 Italy
The defending champions are under pressure but will deliver. I sense considerable drama in this one though.
Paraguay 3-0 New Zealand
It's going to be a stroll in the park for the very well-organized and impressive South Americans - a dark horse for the tournament.
Denmark 1-0 Japan
The Danes have never failed at the group stage in three previous World Cup appearances. They will be good enough again to just see off Japan.
Cameroon 2-1 Holland
Cameroon are out but will finish with a win again the Dutch who are already through.
Slovakia 2-3 Italy
The defending champions are under pressure but will deliver. I sense considerable drama in this one though.
Paraguay 3-0 New Zealand
It's going to be a stroll in the park for the very well-organized and impressive South Americans - a dark horse for the tournament.
Denmark 1-0 Japan
The Danes have never failed at the group stage in three previous World Cup appearances. They will be good enough again to just see off Japan.
Cameroon 2-1 Holland
Cameroon are out but will finish with a win again the Dutch who are already through.
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS WEDNESDAY 23 JUNE
WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:
Slovenia 0-2 England
It's hard to imagine that England will not improve on last Friday's dismal display, but their problem will be that Slovenia only need a draw and will set up to frustrate the Three Lions. England will scrape over the line though.
USA 0-0 Algeria
Algeria know that victory would give them a chance of going through. I expect a tight start, but the game will open up. Both sides to end frustrated though, and the scoresheet blank.
Ghana 1-1 Germany
Africa's hopes are now largely resting on Ghana's shoulders, and they won't disappoint. A point here will take them through, Germany will scrape through too.
Australia 1-0 Serbia
The Aussies will finish with a win but it won't be enough to save their World Cup.
Slovenia 0-2 England
It's hard to imagine that England will not improve on last Friday's dismal display, but their problem will be that Slovenia only need a draw and will set up to frustrate the Three Lions. England will scrape over the line though.
USA 0-0 Algeria
Algeria know that victory would give them a chance of going through. I expect a tight start, but the game will open up. Both sides to end frustrated though, and the scoresheet blank.
Ghana 1-1 Germany
Africa's hopes are now largely resting on Ghana's shoulders, and they won't disappoint. A point here will take them through, Germany will scrape through too.
Australia 1-0 Serbia
The Aussies will finish with a win but it won't be enough to save their World Cup.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
HOSTS BOW OUT WITH ADMIRABLE VICTORY
South Africa's World Cup dream is over despite a spirited performance and a 2-1 win over France in their final group match.
South Africa are the first host nation ever in the history of the World Cup not to make it beyond the first round.
France's debacle of a tournament ended with defeat and bottom place in the group, with just one goal scored.
Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0 in the other game and both teams progress to the knock-out stages. They await for the results of tonight's final games in Group B to see who they will play.
South Africa are the first host nation ever in the history of the World Cup not to make it beyond the first round.
France's debacle of a tournament ended with defeat and bottom place in the group, with just one goal scored.
Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0 in the other game and both teams progress to the knock-out stages. They await for the results of tonight's final games in Group B to see who they will play.
WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS FOR TUESDAY 22 JUNE
WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:
Mexico 1-0 Uruguay
Mexico have been highly impressive so far and are gaining confidence. Winning Group A will in all likelihood mean avoiding Argentina in the last sixteen. A big incentive.
France 1-2 South Africa
The hosts will finish with a win against the team whose spirit has broken irreparably, but it won't be enough to stop them being the first host nation not to qualify from their group.
Nigeria 2-2 South Korea
Nigeria are in that unusual situation of having lost two games but still being in with a chance of getting through. South Korea are in pole position to reach the second round though - a win for them would guarantee progress.
Greece 1-3 Argentina
Maradona's men will finish their group with three wins, opening the door for the winners of the other game to progress.
Mexico 1-0 Uruguay
Mexico have been highly impressive so far and are gaining confidence. Winning Group A will in all likelihood mean avoiding Argentina in the last sixteen. A big incentive.
France 1-2 South Africa
The hosts will finish with a win against the team whose spirit has broken irreparably, but it won't be enough to stop them being the first host nation not to qualify from their group.
Nigeria 2-2 South Korea
Nigeria are in that unusual situation of having lost two games but still being in with a chance of getting through. South Korea are in pole position to reach the second round though - a win for them would guarantee progress.
Greece 1-3 Argentina
Maradona's men will finish their group with three wins, opening the door for the winners of the other game to progress.
Monday, 21 June 2010
WORLD CUP-LATEST PREDICTIONS MONDAY 21 JUNE
WORLD CUP PREDICTIONS FOR TODAY'S GAMES:
Portugal 1-1 North Korea
Portugal did not impress me in their opener, North Korea did. This group is wide open for who goes through with Brazil. Don't rule out the Koreans.
Chile 1-2 Switzerland
No South American side has lost yet at this World Cup. A Swiss win would give them a place in the next round, and make it unlikely that Spain will win Group H.
Spain 2-1 Honduras
Spain will be nervy after their defeat against Switzerland but will squeak home in this one. I'm not expecting it to be easy for them though.
Portugal 1-1 North Korea
Portugal did not impress me in their opener, North Korea did. This group is wide open for who goes through with Brazil. Don't rule out the Koreans.
Chile 1-2 Switzerland
No South American side has lost yet at this World Cup. A Swiss win would give them a place in the next round, and make it unlikely that Spain will win Group H.
Spain 2-1 Honduras
Spain will be nervy after their defeat against Switzerland but will squeak home in this one. I'm not expecting it to be easy for them though.
Sunday, 20 June 2010
SNEAKING IN THE BACK DOOR
It's do or die time at the World Cup. With the last round of group games to take place over the next few days, heartache, joy and drama awaits.
As always, it's squeaky bum time for quite a few of the big boys. France, runners-up four years ago, have the most difficult situation as their destiny is out of their hands. They have to beat South Africa in their last game - probably by a few goals - and hope that Mexico and Uruguay don't play out a draw which would take them both through. And by the way, in case you haven't heard, the French squad refused to train today - in protest at the sending home of Nicolas Anelka. France appear to be in complete meltdown, and barring an extraordinary turnaround their World Cup looks over.
The defending champions Italy have just played out a frustrating 1-1 draw with New Zealand, a result which leaves their progress out of Group F in doubt. Their situation suddenly has a similar look about it to that of England in Group C, who have registered two points from their opening two games against the USA and Algeria. England face Slovenia on Wednesday afternoon and Italy will play Slovakia 24 hours later; and both nations are facing the very real possibility of the unthinkable - elimination from the World Cup at the group stage.
Of the two, I would say England have the more difficult task, simply because their last game is against the group leaders who only need a point to ensure their qualification and at the same time almost certainly put England out. Slovenia may well pack players behind the ball and seek to frustrate England, something the Algerians did to great effect. Italy, on the other hand, should have more of a chance to get at their opponents Slovakia, for whom a draw will count for nothing.
The World Cup only comes round every four years, and that's why it is felt so passionately by fans everywhere. It's so intense, a defeat in the group stages is felt so deeply and is taken so personally. It's the end of the world until the next game.
Four years is also enough time for us to forget certain realities about the World Cup. The things that seem impossible when you are living the roller-coaster ride of the tournament, in the intensity of the moment, can be the very realities that actually come to pass. Let me invite you to remember history as I try to sell to you the extreme importance of sneaking through the back door into the knock-out stages.
Cast you mind back if you can to Italia 90. Defending champions Argentina were shambolic in their opening game against Cameroon and went down 1-0. They recovered to beat the Soviet Union and draw with Romania, results which saw them qualify as one of four best third placed teams. Their reward was a second round clash with Brazil, who had cruised their group with three wins. You can guess what happened if you don't remember...Yes, Argentina put Brazil out 1-0 in an extraordinary game, and went on to win their quarter-final and semi-final on penalties against Yugoslavia and Italy respectively. Argentina were a poor side and rode their luck, but having sneaked through the back door in their group they ended up in the Final.
Four years later at USA 94 the Italians also made it to the Final despite having lost their opening match against the Republic of Ireland. That group ended up with all four teams finishing on four points each (the only time in World Cup history that this has ever happened) and Italy - as Argentina had done four years earlier - only qualified in third place. In the second round only a last minute equalizer by Roberto Baggio staved off a shock defeat to Nigeria.
The Italians in 1982 provide us with another spectacular example of how things can turn round for a team - and for an individual player. Italy drew all three of their group games against Peru, Poland and Cameroon - only scoring two goals in the process. They only went through by virtue of having scored one more goal than Cameroon. After that, nobody was talking about Italy as potential World Champions that year, especially when in the second group phase they were paired with Argentina and Brazil, with only one semi-final place available amongst the three of them. However, Italy beat them both in the space of six days and went on to beat Poland in the semi-final and West Germany in the Final. Italian striker Paulo Rossi had done nothing at all in the first group phase but his manager stuck faith with him, and his hat-trick against Brazil opened the floodgates. Two more in the semi and the opening goal in the Final gave Rossi six goals in three games and the Golden Boot.
As despondent as English, French, Italian - and perhaps even Spanish - fans may be feeling, take heart from this history lesson of the World Cup. The back door is still open. The team that dares may just sneak through it and find that it opens up to the Promised Land. This week will contain tears, and the dreams of some will die over the next few days. But strange things happen in football, just as they do in life. Three weeks tonight we could be gearing up for a France v Italy Final again. Or England v Spain. You never know.
As always, it's squeaky bum time for quite a few of the big boys. France, runners-up four years ago, have the most difficult situation as their destiny is out of their hands. They have to beat South Africa in their last game - probably by a few goals - and hope that Mexico and Uruguay don't play out a draw which would take them both through. And by the way, in case you haven't heard, the French squad refused to train today - in protest at the sending home of Nicolas Anelka. France appear to be in complete meltdown, and barring an extraordinary turnaround their World Cup looks over.
The defending champions Italy have just played out a frustrating 1-1 draw with New Zealand, a result which leaves their progress out of Group F in doubt. Their situation suddenly has a similar look about it to that of England in Group C, who have registered two points from their opening two games against the USA and Algeria. England face Slovenia on Wednesday afternoon and Italy will play Slovakia 24 hours later; and both nations are facing the very real possibility of the unthinkable - elimination from the World Cup at the group stage.
Of the two, I would say England have the more difficult task, simply because their last game is against the group leaders who only need a point to ensure their qualification and at the same time almost certainly put England out. Slovenia may well pack players behind the ball and seek to frustrate England, something the Algerians did to great effect. Italy, on the other hand, should have more of a chance to get at their opponents Slovakia, for whom a draw will count for nothing.
The World Cup only comes round every four years, and that's why it is felt so passionately by fans everywhere. It's so intense, a defeat in the group stages is felt so deeply and is taken so personally. It's the end of the world until the next game.
Four years is also enough time for us to forget certain realities about the World Cup. The things that seem impossible when you are living the roller-coaster ride of the tournament, in the intensity of the moment, can be the very realities that actually come to pass. Let me invite you to remember history as I try to sell to you the extreme importance of sneaking through the back door into the knock-out stages.
Cast you mind back if you can to Italia 90. Defending champions Argentina were shambolic in their opening game against Cameroon and went down 1-0. They recovered to beat the Soviet Union and draw with Romania, results which saw them qualify as one of four best third placed teams. Their reward was a second round clash with Brazil, who had cruised their group with three wins. You can guess what happened if you don't remember...Yes, Argentina put Brazil out 1-0 in an extraordinary game, and went on to win their quarter-final and semi-final on penalties against Yugoslavia and Italy respectively. Argentina were a poor side and rode their luck, but having sneaked through the back door in their group they ended up in the Final.
Four years later at USA 94 the Italians also made it to the Final despite having lost their opening match against the Republic of Ireland. That group ended up with all four teams finishing on four points each (the only time in World Cup history that this has ever happened) and Italy - as Argentina had done four years earlier - only qualified in third place. In the second round only a last minute equalizer by Roberto Baggio staved off a shock defeat to Nigeria.
The Italians in 1982 provide us with another spectacular example of how things can turn round for a team - and for an individual player. Italy drew all three of their group games against Peru, Poland and Cameroon - only scoring two goals in the process. They only went through by virtue of having scored one more goal than Cameroon. After that, nobody was talking about Italy as potential World Champions that year, especially when in the second group phase they were paired with Argentina and Brazil, with only one semi-final place available amongst the three of them. However, Italy beat them both in the space of six days and went on to beat Poland in the semi-final and West Germany in the Final. Italian striker Paulo Rossi had done nothing at all in the first group phase but his manager stuck faith with him, and his hat-trick against Brazil opened the floodgates. Two more in the semi and the opening goal in the Final gave Rossi six goals in three games and the Golden Boot.
As despondent as English, French, Italian - and perhaps even Spanish - fans may be feeling, take heart from this history lesson of the World Cup. The back door is still open. The team that dares may just sneak through it and find that it opens up to the Promised Land. This week will contain tears, and the dreams of some will die over the next few days. But strange things happen in football, just as they do in life. Three weeks tonight we could be gearing up for a France v Italy Final again. Or England v Spain. You never know.
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