Pre-Match Thoughts
Tough one, this. Obviously living in England, I've been privy to all the hype, but three anaemic pre-tournament friendlies haven't brought much confidence to any chance of England doing well. But with Costa Rica picking up the points, the group is wide open.
England do have some good talents in the squad, especially younger players like Sterling, Barkley and Oxade-Chamberlain. However, I have little faith in Sturridge up front and Gerrard and Henderson as holding midfielders just strike me as trouble, especially with a very weak (and slow) defence.
Where they will be spirited is Buffon being injured in the Italian goal. A lot of reports are saying this isn't a strong squad from Italy, so England may fancy themselves for a result. All depends on how their manager sends them out. It's tough to call this one, but I'm going 2-0 to Italy. A hell of a lot may depend on whether Mario Balotelli turns up.
Drink?
Deal on Peroni? Forza Italia!
First Half
Egg on my face for the Sturridge slur, huh? For the first 35 minutes, I suspected the Italians were playing a kind of "rope-a-dope" trick on England, letting themselves get tired out while they waited to strike. With Pirlo as the conductor, it can always happen. The sexy bastard. But it was his sublime dummy that lead to the first goal and seemed to confirm my theory.
Until finally England actually strung a decent move together. Sterling, who nearly scored with a long range effort early on, threaded through Rooney who then made his first real impact on the game by putting in the perfect cross for Sturridge to finish.
Italy still came close afterwards, having a Balotelli effort cleared off the line and also hitting the post. If England want to get a win here, they need to drag off Gerrard, who has offered nothing, and bring on Ross Barkley. Barkley, and Sterling, can both destroy the Italians by running at them. I stand by my point as to whether Roy Hodgson has the balls to go for the win on this one.
Second Half
Let's face it, England were hopeless in that second half. Their experienced players - Gerrard, Rooney and Cahill - failed to step up and England got what they deserved against an Italian team that aren't that impressive, but are marshalled superbly by a Pirlo, a man who knows exactly what he is doing with every touch.
Interesting to see how this group will advance. As previously noted, Costa Rica may well fancy the odds against both these teams.
Result
Italy win 2-1
You're Going to Bed?
If you think I'm staying up till 4am to watch Japan v Ivory Coast, you can fuck right off. I'm in bed now, and staying here.
Saturday, 14 June 2014
Day Three - Uruguay v Costa Rica
Pre-Match Thoughts
Credit to Uruguay, for a country of such a small population, they produce plenty of top players. In 2010, they made the semi-finals and Diego Forlan was joint top scorer. Forlan, who starts tonight in the absence of Luis Suarez, played for United over a decade ago, but was never a big success. He went on to become a star name in Spain, winning the European Golden Boot twice but at 35, he's surely only here as back up and to provide an experienced head. All the same, chance for him to roll back the clock t
Costa Rica is the happiest nation on earth, apparently, and they also don't have a military by constitution. That makes them pretty awesome in my book, but they're going to have to have the game of their lives to stand much hope here. I'm going 3-0 to Uruguay, with Cavani bagging a couple.
Drink?
I've still got a bottle of Jennings left from Thursday? Result!
First Half
Uruguay are clearly the better side and deserve to be ahead, but Costa Rica are no mugs. A drop in concentration can easily see things go wrong for the current team ahead, as nearly happened just before half-time. The extra dash of world class that Suarez brings is clearly a big disadvantage for Uruguay, but at least means if they get the points today, they can be confident of being even better when he returns.
Second Half
Well, fuck me. I'm beginning to like this World Cup. Every game has had goals, and now we have a big shock.
There's nothing to write but to give Costa Rica a huge amount of kudos. They knew exactly how to get back into the game through set pieces and took total advantage. Joel Campbell, who had been an Arsenal player for three years but spent all his time out on loan, will have surely grabbed attention across the world with a superb display, scoring one and setting up another. It'll be interesting to see if his parent club give him a chance next season.
I hope Costa Rica go through to the next round now. I really, really enjoyed that second half of football.
By the way...
Yeah, I know. Don't take up betting on the results of football games.
First Half
Uruguay are clearly the better side and deserve to be ahead, but Costa Rica are no mugs. A drop in concentration can easily see things go wrong for the current team ahead, as nearly happened just before half-time. The extra dash of world class that Suarez brings is clearly a big disadvantage for Uruguay, but at least means if they get the points today, they can be confident of being even better when he returns.
Second Half
Well, fuck me. I'm beginning to like this World Cup. Every game has had goals, and now we have a big shock.
There's nothing to write but to give Costa Rica a huge amount of kudos. They knew exactly how to get back into the game through set pieces and took total advantage. Joel Campbell, who had been an Arsenal player for three years but spent all his time out on loan, will have surely grabbed attention across the world with a superb display, scoring one and setting up another. It'll be interesting to see if his parent club give him a chance next season.
I hope Costa Rica go through to the next round now. I really, really enjoyed that second half of football.
By the way...
Yeah, I know. Don't take up betting on the results of football games.
Day Three - Colombia v Greece
Pre-Match Thoughts
Going to be short, this. I know zilch about both teams. It's Colombia's first time in the finals since 1998, when even England managed to beat them 2-0, a match immortalised in song by Kirsty MacColl.
Greece are tournament veterans these days, their taking of the Euro Championships ten years ago being the biggest shock in my lifetime watching international football. Their style then and ever since (that I've seen) seems to be around defending in numbers and trying to hit on the break.
That's all I can think of to say. Predictions? Umm... 1-0 to Colombia.
Drink?
Not just now, thanks.
First Half
Of course, the problem when you set out to not concede is that when you do, and in the first few minutes, your whole game plan is shot to fuck. It's taken Greece till 44 minutes to test the opposition keeper and Colombia will feel they should have more than just the one.
Full marks to the Colombian fans, who are certainly giving their team some top support.
Second Half
Greece never really offered too much, though they screwed up a good chance, smacking it against the bar from a few yards out. Colombia took their time and made it two when a duff corner somehow found it's way to the back post, for the striker to slam home.
With Greek low on gas, a third went past them when a Colombian slyly took a quick free kick, the move leading to a smart finish.
Result
Colombia win 3-0. My predictions are turning out to be fucking shite.
Needless Confession
I have a thing for women with red hair.
Going to be short, this. I know zilch about both teams. It's Colombia's first time in the finals since 1998, when even England managed to beat them 2-0, a match immortalised in song by Kirsty MacColl.
Greece are tournament veterans these days, their taking of the Euro Championships ten years ago being the biggest shock in my lifetime watching international football. Their style then and ever since (that I've seen) seems to be around defending in numbers and trying to hit on the break.
That's all I can think of to say. Predictions? Umm... 1-0 to Colombia.
Drink?
Not just now, thanks.
First Half
Of course, the problem when you set out to not concede is that when you do, and in the first few minutes, your whole game plan is shot to fuck. It's taken Greece till 44 minutes to test the opposition keeper and Colombia will feel they should have more than just the one.
Full marks to the Colombian fans, who are certainly giving their team some top support.
Second Half
Greece never really offered too much, though they screwed up a good chance, smacking it against the bar from a few yards out. Colombia took their time and made it two when a duff corner somehow found it's way to the back post, for the striker to slam home.
With Greek low on gas, a third went past them when a Colombian slyly took a quick free kick, the move leading to a smart finish.
Result
Colombia win 3-0. My predictions are turning out to be fucking shite.
Needless Confession
I have a thing for women with red hair.
Friday, 13 June 2014
Day Two - Chile v Australia
Pre-Match Thoughts
I'm a bit ambivalent on this one, perhaps due to match fatigue. Several generations of my family have migrated to Australia, and I once had a close friendship to someone from down under, but it has to be said their current squad looks on mysterious side. Bar the veteran Tim Cahill, I know next to nothing of their side.
Chile, on the other hand, are receiving plaudits for their showboating style, with Alexis Sanchez considered one of the best around at the moment, so you have to fancy them for a solid win. I'll say 3-0.
Drink?
Oh, go on, one more.
First Half
It's turned out more interesting that I suspected, in large part due to Chile taking their foot off the gas. At 2-0 after 15 minutes, they were cruising and began to play like it. To give the Aussies credit, they've fought back and Chile should have known better than to give a World Cup veteran like Tim Cahill any room to do what he does best. 2-1 sets it up for a decent second 45 minutes.
Second Half
The game ended up a drab affair, with Chile seemingly happy to stick for the main part, knowing that Australia didn't quite have enough quality to break them down again. Their closest attempt got in the net, but was ruled for offside. The South Americans could have put the game beyond doubt early on, but for some last-ditch defending.
In the end, with two minutes left, Chile caught Australia on the break to put the result beyond doubt. The Aussies need a miracle to not finish bottom in the group now.
Result
Chile win 3-1.
Boing!
Time for bed.
I'm a bit ambivalent on this one, perhaps due to match fatigue. Several generations of my family have migrated to Australia, and I once had a close friendship to someone from down under, but it has to be said their current squad looks on mysterious side. Bar the veteran Tim Cahill, I know next to nothing of their side.
Chile, on the other hand, are receiving plaudits for their showboating style, with Alexis Sanchez considered one of the best around at the moment, so you have to fancy them for a solid win. I'll say 3-0.
Drink?
Oh, go on, one more.
First Half
It's turned out more interesting that I suspected, in large part due to Chile taking their foot off the gas. At 2-0 after 15 minutes, they were cruising and began to play like it. To give the Aussies credit, they've fought back and Chile should have known better than to give a World Cup veteran like Tim Cahill any room to do what he does best. 2-1 sets it up for a decent second 45 minutes.
Second Half
The game ended up a drab affair, with Chile seemingly happy to stick for the main part, knowing that Australia didn't quite have enough quality to break them down again. Their closest attempt got in the net, but was ruled for offside. The South Americans could have put the game beyond doubt early on, but for some last-ditch defending.
In the end, with two minutes left, Chile caught Australia on the break to put the result beyond doubt. The Aussies need a miracle to not finish bottom in the group now.
Result
Chile win 3-1.
Boing!
Time for bed.
Day Two - Netherlands v Spain
Pre-Match Thoughts
Result
Netherlands win 5-1 (!)
Bit of a toughie, this one. The Dutch are coached by Louis van Gaal, who will take over at United after the World Cup, and their captain is Robin van Persie, our striker, even if he didn't seem to have his heart in it at points last season. Spain have Juan Mata and David de Gea in their ranks, although both are unlikely to feature in the starting XI.
I should point out I think Juan Mata is fantastic. He really is. You could be a man with the most homophobic arsehole in the world for a dad, but if you brought Juan home, he'd be "ahh, well, fair enough". I was buzzing when we bought him and I really think he could be a top player for us over the next few years. It's a tough call to pick a favourite, but I may just edge for the Dutch in support of the new Boss.
As has been repeated many times, these two played out the final of the last World Cup. That wasn't a great game and I'm not expecting this to be either. Neither team will want to risk too much from fear of a loss, especially with a strong Chile team also in the group. I'm leaning towards a 0-0, with the best hope of otherwise coming from a goal in the first 20 minutes.
Drink?
Oh, go on. Make mine a Staropramen.
First Half
Well, scrap the boring game theory...
Later than I mused, but Spain took the lead by buying a soft penalty, though it could have been different if Wesley Sneijder had managed to put away a very good chance earlier on. It's an open game now, however, though if David Silva had not tried to be a clever arse, it would have been 2-0. Instead, the keeper saved, the Dutch go up the other end and van Persie pulls off a spectacular header to even the score minutes before the whistle.
It's hard to predict where it will go from here. It's a close game, with neither keeper that bothered bar the four major incidents. It may well end up being a matter of who has the legs to last the game out.
Second Half
Well... can't say I expected THAT. Initially, it all seemed fairly equal before the Dutch must have punched their collective "Nitro" button to totally destroy the World and European champions. I don't think I can remember such a destruction of a force.
People have talked of the ageing members of the squad, but it was Ramos and Pique at the back (both under 30) that looked shaky. Robben in particular enjoyed running riot and the Dutch have very much put themselves on the map with this result.
I really enjoyed the game, just for the surprise in the second half. Whatever van Gaal said at half time, it worked and makes me very excited for next season with him at my team. It could easily have been six or seven, which I bet nobody predicated after 40 minutes. Torres' missing a total sitter near the end added a nice laugh. This is what I'm hoping to see more of.
Result
Netherlands win 5-1 (!)
Tenuous Celebrity Connection of the Day
A guy I worked with, while studying in Hull back in the 1980s, lived next door to the mother of Roland Gift, singer from the Fine Young Cannibals.
Day Two - Mexico v Cameroon
Pre Match Thoughts
Like a lot of these games, I'll generally try to pick the team I want to win by any connection to Manchester United. One of our strikers, Javier Hernandez, is Mexican - a third generation international, as things are. Which is impressive. However, he's struggled in recent months, with no goals this calender year for his national side, all the while he's been unable hold a place at United. It wouldn't be a major surprise to see him leave this summer, and he doesn't start this game.
Cameroon made their first big impact in 1990, when they made the Quarter Finals, only going out after giving England a big scare. I remember a girl in my school, Lisa McAvoy, predicted great things for them beforehand, being laughed out of class for doing so. Girls, right? She had the last laugh on us, obviously. Apparently she was my first "girlfriend" when we were both six. I say "apparently" because I have no knowledge of this outside my mother's say-so.
Cameroon have been overtaken since then by the likes of Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Ghana. This year, they had a whinge about payments, which leads me to predict a 2-0 win for Mexico.
Drink?
Not just now, thanks.
First Half
I can only assume the linesman had £20 on 0-0 at half time, as my prediction should have been true already but for two awful offside calls. Mexico have looked by far the better side, moving the ball around well with Cameroon's only threats coming from their considerable size advantage, which they have used at set pieces.
Perhaps in the second half, with a different lino calling their attacking play, the Central American boys will grab the goals they need to stand a decent chance of making the second round.
Second Half
Well, I wasn't far wrong! Mexico will feel they should have won by more, but the points are what mattered. Cameroon were poor, only really testing the goalkeeper in the last moments. Even then, Hernandez missed an easy chance after that to make it two, which makes me glad I'm not a betting man.
Not a great game, due to the African lads not being much cop.
Result
Mexico win 1-0.
What You Don't Need To Know
I'm off for a shower before the next game.
Like a lot of these games, I'll generally try to pick the team I want to win by any connection to Manchester United. One of our strikers, Javier Hernandez, is Mexican - a third generation international, as things are. Which is impressive. However, he's struggled in recent months, with no goals this calender year for his national side, all the while he's been unable hold a place at United. It wouldn't be a major surprise to see him leave this summer, and he doesn't start this game.
Cameroon made their first big impact in 1990, when they made the Quarter Finals, only going out after giving England a big scare. I remember a girl in my school, Lisa McAvoy, predicted great things for them beforehand, being laughed out of class for doing so. Girls, right? She had the last laugh on us, obviously. Apparently she was my first "girlfriend" when we were both six. I say "apparently" because I have no knowledge of this outside my mother's say-so.
Cameroon have been overtaken since then by the likes of Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Ghana. This year, they had a whinge about payments, which leads me to predict a 2-0 win for Mexico.
Drink?
Not just now, thanks.
First Half
I can only assume the linesman had £20 on 0-0 at half time, as my prediction should have been true already but for two awful offside calls. Mexico have looked by far the better side, moving the ball around well with Cameroon's only threats coming from their considerable size advantage, which they have used at set pieces.
Perhaps in the second half, with a different lino calling their attacking play, the Central American boys will grab the goals they need to stand a decent chance of making the second round.
Second Half
Well, I wasn't far wrong! Mexico will feel they should have won by more, but the points are what mattered. Cameroon were poor, only really testing the goalkeeper in the last moments. Even then, Hernandez missed an easy chance after that to make it two, which makes me glad I'm not a betting man.
Not a great game, due to the African lads not being much cop.
Result
Mexico win 1-0.
What You Don't Need To Know
I'm off for a shower before the next game.
Thursday, 12 June 2014
The Tedious World's World Cup, Day One
Hello, strangers! Yes, I'm back and in a (doubtless foolish) attempt to cure my current malaise - brought on by a killer combination of bad health and work shite - I'm going to try to watch as much of the football World Cup as possible.
I figured that the fact I've been unable to write anything for the last month and a half is also down to my lack of SELF-DISCIPLINE. Therefore, I'll try to force myself to write something about every game over the next month, within reason. Those who read this sorry-excuse-for-a-blog on a regular basis who hate football (hello!) may want to not bother coming here for a month. So:
BRAZIL vs CROATIA
Pre-Match Thoughts
Back in 1990, I remember getting the World Cup sticker album, thus I had a faint clue about most of the other teams. 24 years later, I admit my knowledge has slipped and any predictions I make will be based on stereotypes and out-of-date references.
All the same, Brazil are starting out as one of the favourites and as hosts, the pressure is on them to deliver. So, I'm going to hedge my bets by saying it'll either be a nervous opener, with a late winner from a Brazil, or the boys in yellow will thrive in the occasion and cruise to a 4-0. This is in part due to the fact I know a few of the Brazil team and how good they are. Croatia have Jelavic, who didn't look that good playing for Hull City last season, and Luka Modric - who is a quality player, no doubt.
Drink?
A few bottles of Jennings Lakeland Ale, for a taste of home. Cheers, Aldi.
First Half
Opening ceremony? Fuck that. I listened to Section 25's From the Hip album instead while waiting for kick off. But just as well I'm not a betting man, as Croatia started strong and took the lead. Brazil finally got their shit in order and managed to equalise through Neymar, expected to be the big star of the tournament, though he can count himself lucky to be on the pitch after a tasty elbow on Modric. Any other game, I reckon that would been a straight red.
Since the Brazil goal, they've been in control and you have to fancy them to score more in the second half. The hosts look dodgy at the back, but there's enough going forward to see them through.
Second Half
3-1 to Brazil doesn't tell the whole story. Their back four is shaky at best and they owe a large part of their victory to a referee whose arse seemed to go. The softest of soft penalties at 1-1 saw Brazil steady, though the keeper might have done better with that, and should have certainly saved Oscar's shot that made the points safe.
I may have to reappraise my feelings of Brazil as being amongst the favourites - going forward with the likes of Neymar, they'll score goals. But their goalkeeper and entire defence are going to cost them dear.
Randon Irrelevant Fact
My maternal grandma was born and raised in a hamlet a couple of miles out of town called Scilly Banks. It was basically a row of about 10/15 two up-two down houses, a church and a pub. The pub had closed shortly before I was born, but I can only assume it was sustained for all those years by the entire community going on the piss there every other night.
I figured that the fact I've been unable to write anything for the last month and a half is also down to my lack of SELF-DISCIPLINE. Therefore, I'll try to force myself to write something about every game over the next month, within reason. Those who read this sorry-excuse-for-a-blog on a regular basis who hate football (hello!) may want to not bother coming here for a month. So:
BRAZIL vs CROATIA
Pre-Match Thoughts
Back in 1990, I remember getting the World Cup sticker album, thus I had a faint clue about most of the other teams. 24 years later, I admit my knowledge has slipped and any predictions I make will be based on stereotypes and out-of-date references.
All the same, Brazil are starting out as one of the favourites and as hosts, the pressure is on them to deliver. So, I'm going to hedge my bets by saying it'll either be a nervous opener, with a late winner from a Brazil, or the boys in yellow will thrive in the occasion and cruise to a 4-0. This is in part due to the fact I know a few of the Brazil team and how good they are. Croatia have Jelavic, who didn't look that good playing for Hull City last season, and Luka Modric - who is a quality player, no doubt.
Drink?
A few bottles of Jennings Lakeland Ale, for a taste of home. Cheers, Aldi.
First Half
Opening ceremony? Fuck that. I listened to Section 25's From the Hip album instead while waiting for kick off. But just as well I'm not a betting man, as Croatia started strong and took the lead. Brazil finally got their shit in order and managed to equalise through Neymar, expected to be the big star of the tournament, though he can count himself lucky to be on the pitch after a tasty elbow on Modric. Any other game, I reckon that would been a straight red.
Since the Brazil goal, they've been in control and you have to fancy them to score more in the second half. The hosts look dodgy at the back, but there's enough going forward to see them through.
Second Half
3-1 to Brazil doesn't tell the whole story. Their back four is shaky at best and they owe a large part of their victory to a referee whose arse seemed to go. The softest of soft penalties at 1-1 saw Brazil steady, though the keeper might have done better with that, and should have certainly saved Oscar's shot that made the points safe.
I may have to reappraise my feelings of Brazil as being amongst the favourites - going forward with the likes of Neymar, they'll score goals. But their goalkeeper and entire defence are going to cost them dear.
Randon Irrelevant Fact
My maternal grandma was born and raised in a hamlet a couple of miles out of town called Scilly Banks. It was basically a row of about 10/15 two up-two down houses, a church and a pub. The pub had closed shortly before I was born, but I can only assume it was sustained for all those years by the entire community going on the piss there every other night.
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