The 3/4th Place play off was won quite rightly by Germany. That was certainly a better game than the final itself. It normally is though isn't it? Well done to Harry Hun and Keizer Kraut.
Congratulations to Spain who had to quite literally fight off the challenge of The Netherlands. The Dutch came out all guns blazing, and were at their opponents from the whistle and Howard Webb certainly did a lot of blowing that! He would probably be able to sue FIFA for the amount of times he had to pull a card out of his pocket too. Spain might not have scored many goals, but they conceded fewest and won more games than anyone else - dispite losing their first.
England drop to 13th in the World Ranking after South Africa, not something to shout from the rooftops and a major cause for concern for qualification for future tournamnets.
Never mind because the domestic season is almost here. Up the Pitmen.....
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
Thursday, 8 July 2010
World Cup. Days 26 & 27. Semi-Finals.
Not the most awe inspiring and entertaining couple of games, but never the less there is a lot to play for. As enjoyable as wanting an outsider such as Uruguay to do well, their path to this stage wasn't the hardest and a fair few Ghanans would have had wry smiles for a couple or three hours. Holland were the better side and although sometimes fortunate deserved their chance at fame and fortune.
The Spanish side have emulated their European Championship feat. Less than 10 years ago, they were one of the worst and over-rated National sides in Europe. Flattering to decieve, and nearly always also-rans they were winning nothing. Lots of effort and no prizes. The Manager has a lot to do with it and has turned them into World Beaters. Whether the WC Final is a step too far is a different matter. Not much else to say. There are 2 good teams are in the final, there are not 2 fantastic teams in the final and isn't that what the World Cup should be for?
The Spanish side have emulated their European Championship feat. Less than 10 years ago, they were one of the worst and over-rated National sides in Europe. Flattering to decieve, and nearly always also-rans they were winning nothing. Lots of effort and no prizes. The Manager has a lot to do with it and has turned them into World Beaters. Whether the WC Final is a step too far is a different matter. Not much else to say. There are 2 good teams are in the final, there are not 2 fantastic teams in the final and isn't that what the World Cup should be for?
Sunday, 4 July 2010
World Cup. Days 22 & 23. Matches 57-60. Quarter Finals
These quarter finals have had everything. Plenty of goals, sending offs, penalty shoot outs and two of the favourites going home. With the possible exception of Uruguay, all three other semi-finalists play football the way football should be played. Unlike England they deserve it. England can say that they lost to potential winners but Fabio, Wazza, Lamps and Stevie G et al can't disguise their own inadequacies.
Holland were dark horses a few weeks ago, but few would have had them beating Brazil. The Samba Boys didn't really turn out and were frustrated that the Dutch marked them out of the game, and The Netherlands were allowed to play the more flowing game.
South American temprament also effected Argentina who couldn't get near the Germans, whose self- confidence rises with every game. Miroslav Klose who has been around for longer than most people realise only needs a couple of goals to better Ronaldo's (not the Portugese cheat) World Cup scoring record.
Ghana were unlucky but inexperience in major tournaments cost them. That last minute penalty should have been converted, but from the moment it hit the crossbar, it was inevitable that it wasn't going to be their day. Some people have called for a change in law meaning that it should be a goal, if an outfield player handballs on the line. It is cheating, but it was instinct over thought, and Ghana failed to take advantage of their "advantage". It's Ghana's fault for missing the penalty, the fact they missed two more in the shoot out seems to have been missed by most.
Spain also missed a penalty as did Paraguay, but the worst of all four games in the round of 4, was won by a single goal from one of the most reliable players ever to play for Spain. 2 days of rest now before the crunch "all or nothing" games start.
Holland were dark horses a few weeks ago, but few would have had them beating Brazil. The Samba Boys didn't really turn out and were frustrated that the Dutch marked them out of the game, and The Netherlands were allowed to play the more flowing game.
South American temprament also effected Argentina who couldn't get near the Germans, whose self- confidence rises with every game. Miroslav Klose who has been around for longer than most people realise only needs a couple of goals to better Ronaldo's (not the Portugese cheat) World Cup scoring record.
Ghana were unlucky but inexperience in major tournaments cost them. That last minute penalty should have been converted, but from the moment it hit the crossbar, it was inevitable that it wasn't going to be their day. Some people have called for a change in law meaning that it should be a goal, if an outfield player handballs on the line. It is cheating, but it was instinct over thought, and Ghana failed to take advantage of their "advantage". It's Ghana's fault for missing the penalty, the fact they missed two more in the shoot out seems to have been missed by most.
Spain also missed a penalty as did Paraguay, but the worst of all four games in the round of 4, was won by a single goal from one of the most reliable players ever to play for Spain. 2 days of rest now before the crunch "all or nothing" games start.
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