Knockout Stages - Day 1

I missed the opportunity to write in my thoughts on the last couple of days; so instead of trying to remember what happened and who did what and when, I'm just moving on through to the knockout stages with the teams. The Germany/Sweden game in Munich starts in 20 minutes and I am primed and ready. According to Reuters, more than 100,000 fans have descended on the German city to watch the game. Obviously not all of them can go to the game, so the city has set up viewing areas scattered about the beauty that is Munchen. At Olympic Park, more than 30,000 fans can watch the game on massive screens while enjoying the beautiful day. While at the English Gardens another 7,000 can enjoy oompah bands and beer leading up to the game then relax and watch the match. I'm torn on the game, but I think my bottomline is for Germany! Even though the Swedes boast one of my favourite players in Freddie Ljunberg (Arsenal man), I did live in Germany for three years. It's in Germany where I kicked my first football and developed a life-long passion. It's in Germany where I watched my first football match. And even after returning to the US, Soccer Made in Germany, the PBS production, was a weekly event in our house. So, Germany will take this one 2-1 and advance. **UPDATE** it's only the 5th minute and Germany have a one goal lead by a massive goal poach from Podolski. A sublime turn by Klose left him one on one with Isaksson. Isaksson tripped him up that on another day with another official likely would have been a penalty, but Podolski following up the movement pounced on that spilled ball and struck it with some authority into the net. And now, in the 12th minute, Podolski buries another one. It's 2-0 to the Germans with both goals being authored by Klose and published by Podolski. Sweden better find the plot if my prediction is to hold true. and yes, I have ever right whinge about "Americans not understanding the sport." Despite the commentators on XM Radio who are, apparently quite tired of the whinging, Americans by and large do not understand the sport. They cannot comprehend how a game can be played for 90 minutes and not produce a winner. They cannot see how a 90 minute game that produces no scoring can be exciting. Doubt me? Come to my local and try to talk to the regulars gathered around their beers and margaritas about soccer. You'll get blank stares or inane, peurile arguments about how boring & dull it is, while they glance constantly at whatever golf tournament happens to be showing on one of the numerous televisions. Yes, I have a right to whinge. **UPDATE** It's all Germany now. Shot after shot after shot on Isaksson's net and in the 35th minute a second yellow card to a Swedish player sends him to an early shower. Sweden have an enormous task ahead of them, two goals down and now a man down. If they have any desire to remain in Germany, they must refind their drive. It was always going to be difficult playing a very strong German team in Munchen, but now the task is gigantic. **UPDATE** It is half-time and Germany lead Sweden into the dressing room by 2 goals to nil. Sweden now face the monumental task of returning to the pitch for another half, demoralized, dejected, 2 goals and 1 man down. Can they do it? Can they come back from the deficet? Anything, anything at all is possible in football. Will they do it? I think not, but I'd sure like to see them try and in the process score a goal. **UPDATE** Second half underway and Sweden come out with authority and reason. Henrik Larsson is taken down in the German box and is awareded a penalty for his efforts. A lifeline for Sweden and Larsson steps up to take it. Oh my, over the net and Germany maintain their 2 goal lead on the poor Swedes. The Swedish fans can't believe their eyes. They've come so far, this team in yellow & blue. But, being only 4 for 7 in their World Cup history on penalty kicks says that that is not the way they're going to win this game. **UPDATE** Isaksson is far and away the best player on the swedish team for this match. Aside from two blisters from Germany, he's kept out no less than 6 crtical in-the-net rockets. Sadly for him, it looks like he's headed home. But, his performance today certainly proves to me the validity of Arsene Wenger's interest in the keeper. Perhaps in the close season we can entice the man to come and give Lehmann a challenge for that Arsenal number one. With less than a minute to go (plus stoppage), Germany sits on the verge of a third consecutive clean-sheet and advancement to the quarter-finals. The winner of this game will play the winner of today's next game, Mexico v Argentina. And that's a match who's outcome I can't predict because I'm just not sure which team I most wish to see lose. I'll probably head down to my local, and despite the vacuous stares and diffidence, I'll enjoy the game. Must be just seconds remaining and yes, Germany has elminated Sweden with a 2-0 victory. Plenty of hugs & kisses await the German team, while tears and sadness await the Swedes. Germany have now played 287 minutes of football without conceding a goal and have reached the quarter finals in 15 of 16 World Cups, a truly remarkeable pair of statistics. Argentina v Mexico was everything a game could be. It had drama, spectacular passing, and one of the most spectacular goals you'll ever see. Maxi Rodriguez took the ball on a long switch off his chest and volleyed it across the face of the goal into the upper 90. This occurred in the second half of overtime to give Argentina a win. The possession and dominance see-sawed through the entire match with neither team truly dominating. Mexico did score first, but then they scored again, in the wrong goal 5 (or so) minutes later to even it up. That was the last goal scored (in the 12th minute) until that wundergoal in overtime that gave Argentina the game. And with the win came the realization that they now face Germany in the next round. More tomorrow. Until then, Wastrel On!

Match Day 3 for the US

and a must win game for the national team. Should the US fail to win, they will be coming home. Not as disgraced as the 1998 tournament, but certainly not pleased; and in so doing will deal yet another blow to the football movement in the US. Thus, I am rooting very hard for the United States, not so much because I was born here and live here, but because I want football to be a success here. Because Americans hate a loser, we have to win. But, sadly, just a win won't do it unless we beat Ghana by more than 4 goals which I truthfully don't see happening as we have yet to score even a single goal in this tournament. So, I'm really hoping that Italy smack the Czech Republic about a bit and emerge the winners in that game. An Italy win combined with a US win will see the US through to the round of 16. Later in the day we'll see Japan host Brazil and Croatia play Australia. Brazil are definitely going through, but the other spot is still open and any team can take it. The first games have started and the US have come out in a very interesting 4-3-3 formation. Without Mastroeni & Pope, the midfield has had to be shuffled about a bit, and it looks like Reyna will be playing a deep holding role allowing McBride, Donovan and Lewis to surge forward. Goals are a must and it looks like we're trying to take the game to Ghana. Ghana, for their part, are without their only goal-scorers through yellow-card suspension. Not usually a vocal member of Sam's Army, I am today for the sake of football in this decidedly non-football nation. Come on the boys! **UPDATE** I'm at work, reading the games on Eurosport, but not actually watching them. I do, however, record them and watch them when I get home. However, my wife is at home (she works from home) and today when the TV switched channels to record the USA/Ghana game she ignored it as she always does. But not for long. The drone of millions of voices finally took shape in her ears as the National Anthem of the US. So, she abandoned her morning work to go and view what was really happening. Seeing all the patriotic faces and flags and so many people singing joyously for our team, she decided to take on another task in a room with a TV. She'll be watching this game as it's happening. Colour me jealous. **UPDATE** on 22 minutes it's all gone a bit pear-shaped for the US. Ghana have scored and Reyna is taken off the field on a stretcher. I have no more than that at the moment. on the 26th minute, Italy go up 1-0 over the Czech Republic which means that the US can still go through if they get their act together. Reyna is back on after nearly a full five minutes on the sideline. Hopefully he'll be able to last the game. Sadly, he can't. Claudio Reyna, the experienced centre mid-fielder for the US is coming off in the 40th minute. It's an uphill climb now for the United States. and they SCORE!! It's in the net, it's in the net. Clint Dempsey on the 43rd minute, where are his critics now? But, the offical, not to be outdone awards a penalty to Ghana less than 2 minutes later; and Ghana have the lead 2-1 at the break. Hard done on America having to play against 12 men. Hard done on the Czech Republic, too. If Ghana win, and Italy win then it's the number 2 and the number 5 FIFA-ranked world teams that are headed home while the number 14 & number 48(!) teams advance. Truth be told, if the US don't advance I'm more inclined to hold hope out for a small Ghana nation than for the Czech Republic. The Italy & the Czech Republic game have entered the break at 1-0 to the Italians. **UPDATED** The games have restarted and Ghana are really just toying with the US at this stage. Yet more proof that the FIFA rankings are cocked up. **UPDATED* Twenty minutes (or less) remain in the matches and all signs point to the CR & the US going home. But, it's a funny ol' game and no match is over until it's over. I've watched Liverpool comeback from a 3-0 deficit at halftime to win the game. Anything is possible. It's up the US to regain the plot and the Italians to not lose it. **UPDATED** ye gods what a thrilling group this Group E has been. Perhaps it's not shaking out as I expected, but what the hell that's what footy is all about, wot? Italy have just secured a second goal to almost certainly send the Czech Republich home. Sadly, it appears as though the US will also be going home as they seem rather lost without their talismanic captain, Reyna. and they have...Italy have beaten the Czech Republic in an astonishing 2-0 encounter in Hamburg. Italy are through as the winners of Group E, they'll play the runner-up of Group F on Monday the 26th. The US need the win desperately. They're throwing everything at the ball in a bid to gain two quick last-gasp goals. I fear it's all over for the heroes of Sam's Army and once again the hopes & dreams of soccer fans the nation over will be dashed against the walls of American indifference. The entire nation of Ghana must be going crazy. Who'd have ever thought they'd win a game, much less two and finish second in the group? Intheir first ever World Cup, Ghana will advance out of the first round. They'll have to play the winners of Group F which for all purposes will be Brazil unless Japan shocks the world and beats them later in the day. Fantastic Ghana have won 2-1 in Nuremburg and are through. The USA are going home. At least the USA scored a goal of their own in this game. They've given a sorry account of themselves, this over-hyped, over-paid USA team. But, they'll be back in four years with fresh faces and a fresh look. Time to move forward. Excellent job to the Ghana team spirit and the Italian fortitude. **UPDATE** The second round of matches has just started and Croatia, in a must win situation find themselves the early leaders on the beauty of a 2nd minute goal by Sma. Should Croatia defeat Australia and Brazil defeat Japan then Brazil & Croatia go through to the knock-out round. An Austria/Croatia draw brings it down to goal differential in which Australia currently has the edge. These two groups today, E & F, this is fascinating stuff. So much to play for. **UPDATE** GOAL! In the 35th minute, Tamada opens the scoresheet for Japan leaving Brazil reeling. Japan 1 - Brazil 0! The impossible dream for Japan is on the books, now if they can only hold it. in the other match, Australia are still losing to a resilient Croatian team. It's all up for grabs today, kids. Any of these four teams could advance. **UPDATE** My gosh how I wish i was watching these games instead of just reading them on the Eurosport play-by-play (as good as that is). What fascinating turns have occurred. Both games are going into the break as 1-1 draws. Tim Cahill secured a penalty for Australia which Craig Moore easily converted. That opened the doors for Australia. Ronaldo, for Brazil, headed in a goal from a Cicinho cross. Where are his detractors now? That leveled it for Brazil on the stroke of half. And my but don't we have some drama going on in Germany? **UPDATE** the Japanese dream is slowly fading. They're defending too deep considering that they have to win to advance, and now Brazil has scored a second. Juninho with a 30 yard strike that should have been stopped has instead nestled snugly in the net. It's Brazil's to lose now. In the other match, we're still at 1-1 with neither side taking the necessary risk to open it up. **UPDATE** and it really is all over for Japan now. The game still has 5 minutes in it, but I don't think the poor, Japanese players even know what hit them. Having another team score first has set Brazil on edge and they've just played brilliant, beautiful exhibition football ever since. This the Brazil we've been waiting for, so in some respects, "Thank you, Japan and we're sorry to see you go." The score is 4-1 Brazil in the 85th minute. Brazil have really spread the goals out, too with 1 each coming from Ronaldo, Gilberto (Arsenal man!), Juninho and Ronaldinho. Ghana will certainly have their work cut out for them when they meet on Tuesday the 27th. In the other match, Croatia have stabbed themselves by allowing a second Australian goal in the 78th minute by Harry Kewell and going down to 10 men 8 minutes later (although it could have been/should have been 9 men as one of their players is currently on 2 yellow cards in the match). Croatia need a win to advance while Australia will move forward with this draw. Croatia have less than a minute (plus stoppage time) to pull this one out. And that's that. What amazing stuff. Australia and Brazil go through. Brave, foolish Croatia and Japan are headed home, their World Cup over. The final third day matches are tomorrow. So until then, Wastrel On! (listening to: a Conference call in my office & South Pacific Soundtrack & the Andrew Sisters & Erasure & Talking Heads & Pretenders & Big Country & Naked Eyes & Sonic Youth)

World Cup Day 13

Match Day 3 for Portugal, Mexico, Iran, Angola, Holland, Argentina, Ivory Coast & Serbia & Montenegro. Portugal plays Mexico for group position, while Iran & Angola take on each other. In certain scenarios, Angola can actually leap past Mexico and go through with Portugal, but it requires Portugal to beat Mexico by more than 2 goals and Angola to beat Iran by more than 2 goals. I don't really see either of those happening. So, most likely Angola will be going home, too. Iran was a foregone conclusion. Currently, it's half time in the first matches of the day. Portugal lead Mexico 2-1, while Iran & Angola have played to what I'm sure is a thrilling 0-0 draw. More later. Until then, Wastrel On! (Listening to Paul Simon)

Days 11 & 12

I completely missed day 11, I've not even seen the games, but i do know the results. In a nutshell Switzerland went to town on Togo leaving a disheartened African nation in a 2-0 wake. Next, the Ukraine completely dismantled Saudi Arabia 4-0. What is it with Group H and the 4-0 scorelines? Spain, as the final game of the day and the last game in the second round of the group stages won 3-1 over Tunisia. The Spaniards went into the break a goal down, but then Cesc Fabregas came on in mid-field and revolutionized the game while galvanizing his team-mates. The Arsenal man is quickly becoming a national hero for Spain. At this stage the following teams are definitely going home, even with one more match to play: Costa Rica Poland Paraguay Iran Serbia & Montenegra For the next 4 days, the tournament will host 2 games at a time. These third-day matches are critical quite often, so FIFA wisely refuses to afford any team an advantage by knowing the outcome of the other game in the group. So, Group A plays both games this morning (they're on right now), while Group B plays later in the day. Tomorrow it'll be Groups C & D and so on until the group stages are done. At the moment, Germany is besting Ecuador on a Klose goal in the 4th minute. While Poland & Costa Rica, playing for honours & nothing more, are tied 1-1. This final race to the finish is always one of my favourite parts of the tournament, because for so many teams it's not over until it's over. Unfortunately it means that I will not get to see every match. For the next four days I have to make a decision on which games to watch. Today was easy, I don't need to see Poland play Costa Rica in a nothing game. I do, however, want to watch the Germany/Ecuador game. Other groups are not so easy, like Group E for instance. It's vitally important to see both the Italy/Czech Republic game and the US/Ghana game, but a choice has to be made. I'll tell you which one I choose when it happens. **UPDATE** Group A is complete! Sad Costa Rica went through the entire tournament without winning, but they did manage to score three goals. Poland beat Costa Rica 2-1 on the day and the South Americans are going home. Poland, too, but with a win in their pocket & their eyes on the the next competition. Germany were the decisive winners of Group A. They placed Ecuador squarely in 2nd place with a 3-0 win in Berlin. The group shakes out thus: Germany 3 wins for 9 points. 8 goals for - 2 against. Ecuador 2 wins, 1 loss for 6 points. 5 goals for - 3 against Poland 1 win, 2 losses for 3 points. 2 goals for - 4 against Costa Rica 0 wins, 3 losses for 0 points. 3 goals for - 9 goals against. Germany will play the 2nd place of Group B, while Ecuador will take the 1st place team. Those line-ups will be determined in the next few hours. **UPDATE** The second games for today are underway. We're 25 minutes into the matches and thus far the teams are holding steady at 0 goals each. Unlike the teams in Group A, where there two clear-cut winners and two clear-cut losers, this group is a little more murky. England are definitely through, but will they finish in first or second? Sweden, who have won one and drawn one, can leap England into first place with a victory in today's game. Should that happen, then Trinidad & Tobago, along with Parguay are going home. Should Sweden draw against England then again, both T&T and Paraguay head to the showers. However, should England win then Trinidad & Tobago can pass Sweden on goal-dfferential; but since T&T have yet to score and Sweden have yet to concede, this final scenario seems unlikely at best. England started the game with Owen & Rooney up top, a marvelously skilled pair but it's unlikely to work. And we certainly aren't going to see it work today because Owen is off on the 3rd minute and replaced by Peter Crouch. Someone please give Sven a knock on the noggin. The man has completely lost the plot. That's it for now. Until then, Wastrel On! (listening to: Paul Oakenfold & Le Tigre)

Yellow Card diatribe

I am exhausted. Every time I turn on the television, or the radio I hear commentators and fans and players decrying the number of Yellow Cards being given in this year's tournament. Well, to me, the yellow cards are critical to controlling the players. Take away the yellow cards and the petulant brats that are the national stars of these 32 nations will take over the game. We'd see a rash of diving, "simulation" FIFA calls it, like you've never seen before. We'd see more dissention than even the most hardened, seasoned official could stomach. We'd have officials surrounded by over-paid, under-skilled, schoolyard bullies at every single call. I applaud the hard line that FIFA has taken this year and encourage it to continue. The very hardest job on the pitch and the one most hated and under-valued and under-paid is the job of the official. Imagine a religion without a god. What would be the purpose? There wouldn't be. There'd be no saviour nor devil. No single being responsible for laying down and controlling the laws of the religion. Now, imagine a football match without an official. What would be the point? Who would ensure that the 17 (yes, only 17) laws of the game are understood and obeyed? Who would hand out the penances when the law was not obeyed or the spirit of the law was broken? Yes, the official's job in this religion we call football is that of the god. If only for 90 minutes (plus stoppage), that single entity controls the game and hands out the penances and indulgences as necessary. If those penances take the form of a yellow card, then that yellow card is deserved and who are we to criticize the man that hands them out? For me, the yellow cards in this year's competition have done more to preserve the integrity of the game than any other single factor. Certainly more than the idiots complaining about them. Perhaps in future years, because of this year, there will be fewer cards because the player's will learned their lessons. Wastrel On!

Day 10

It's day 10 of the world Cup and the first match of the day was between Japan & Croatia. I missed the game, but it ended in a nil-nil draw with both sides having their chances. Japan's keeper came up with a massive save on a penalty kick while Japan missed a sitter and squirted the ball wide of an empty net. Brazil & Australia are at half-time and the score remains at nil-nil here as well. The primary difference in this game is that Brazil has eleven fantastic players while Australia has one fantastic team. The Brazilians are not playing effectively and have been unable to net a goal due to a very effective Australian defence. Of course, as I write this, the second half has started and the Brazilian's have stepped up the pace a bit and scored in the 4th minute of the half. This gives Brazil 193 goals in 88 World Cup matches compared to Australia's 3 goals in 4 World Cup matches. Ronaldo, himself is tied with Pele for World Cup goals and is only 2 off the record. He could very well set a new record in this competition. So, knowing that, and knowing that teams scoring first are 18-2-2 in this year's tournamet, Australia have an uphill battle. Even though I pulled Brazil in the blind World Cup pool I'm in, come on the Socceroos! **UPDATED** and at the death of regular time, substitute Fred within seconds of his arrival taps one home giving Brazil a 2-0 lead and pretty much securing both their passage into the second round and Brazil's record-holding 9th consecutive World Cup win. The game is over and Brazil are headed to the second round for the 10th straight time. Australia, however, is still very much alive, but need to beat or draw against Croatia in 5 day's time. Next up is South Korea vs France. I think I'm going to watch this one from a bar. Cheers. More later. Until the, Wastrel On!