Filed under: International, World Cup | Tags: england, qatar, roman abramo, russia, sepp blatter, soccer, United States, world cup, world cups
After what was weeks of “sure-things” and “lock” talk for the World Cup 2018 and 2022 bids, England and the United States
Lodging arrangements for 2018.
Lodging arrangements for 2022.
stand in shock. Granted, the Brits were more odds on favorites for the honor of hosting the World Cup, but, due to corruption and intense media intervention, the Russians got 2018. One has to wonder exactly how much money Roman Abramovich poured into their bid and the answer has got to be somewhere the realm of “a ton”.
Going further on that notion, Qatar, one of the wealthiest nations in the world, is planning on constructing stadiums of unbelievable proportions. However, it begs the question just how they got the World Cup. They are the smallest nation to ever submit a bid, let alone win; they have little to no foundation of football within their country and no legitimate facilities to speak of. Granted, they have 12 years to do it, but the decision seems mostly like Sepp Blatter wanting to leave his oversized footprint in the history of football.
Two polar opposites for the two World Cups. Russia is huge. Qatar is tiny. Enjoy freezing in Russia, FIFA. Also, you know when they have to propose air conditioned stadiums, it’s going to be hot as hell in a country slightly smaller than Connecticut.
The decision for Russia makes some sense, but Blatter’s desire to spread the global influence of the game has overtaken his ability to think straight.
Consider the Qatar bid. Average temperature in July is 115 degrees. No infrastructure. One airport. One. 120th ranked team in the world. And the ONLY bid rated “high risk” by FIFA. Not to mention the “No Alcohol” policy. This decision literally makes 0 sense.
Hopefully some do-good journalist goes Watergate and uncovers some misdeeds in the lead up to the voting process…
A guy can dream right?
Fun Quote – “I have an idea..we play Qatar in a friendly(they can even host it), and the winner gets to host the 2022 WC..wait, do they even have a team?” – Landon Donovan
Filed under: premier league | Tags: arsenal, arsene wenger, bolton, bolton wanderers, cesc fabregas, chelsea, chung-yong lee, dimitar berbatov, football, glen johnson, harry redknapp, johan elmander, liverpool, manchester united, owen coyle, rafael benitez, rafael van der vaart, roy hodgson, soccer, steven gerrard, stuart holden, tottenham
The first half of the EPL Season has almost come to a close in what is one of the tightest tables we have seen in years. Manchester United sit top and deservedly so after going undefeated in all competitions (scratch the Carling Cup defeat to West Ham). Neighbors City hold the coveted 4th place spot with Tottenham snapping at their heels and riding a high after topping their Champions League group and beating would-be Top 4 contenders Liverpool in a lively game in London.
There has been no shortage of stories coming from England this season, and it’s our job here at Football Station to bring you the best, brightest and horrible.
Owen Coyle and Bolton Wanderers
The Scotsman came from a sinking Burnley ship to manage the Wanderers in what has become the managerial success story of the season so far. What was once a hard nosed defense-first Northwestern outfit has become a slick passing and clinical side
Cocky, seductive and just plain sultry. Coyle's proved part genius this season in the EPL this season.
under the guidance of Coyle. The Wanderers sit 6th currently, and one has to wonder: just how long can they keep this up? Boasting a win over Tottenham, a hard fought draw against United and having a win at Everton snatched from their grasp with a last gasp goal from Jermaine Beckford, Coyle’s boys have maintained that defensive resolve while learning to press as a unit into the attacking half. Keys to their success are: American Stuart Holden and South Korean Lee Chung-Yong and Bolton’s record signing Johan Elmander putting in more than his fair share of goals up top. Other than their monthly opener at Eastlands and closer at Chelsea, Bolton’s games in December are all winnable and could easily maintain a 6th or 7th spot going into the New Year.
Liverpool’s Stop-Start Season
Just what the hell is going on in the Northwest this year? The humiliating defeats to Manchester City, Everton and Blackpool highlight a Liverpool season that hasn’t had a heap of good news coming its way. With the exit door blaring, Roy Hodgson’s
Skeptical Roy
ill-advised outbursts seem to be making him more friends than enemies. Benitez hits out at Roy, Roy hits back, Benitez hits back again, Roy apologizes. Roy criticizes Glen Johnson’s form, Glen Johnson responds, Roy apologizes. Roy says he is disappointed his Daniel Pacheco, now he says he has a bright future at the club. Is he manic? He’s like a 5 year old version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with a speech impediment. The January transfer window will either be his saving grace or nail in the coffin, so he had better make it count. But with names like Keisuke Honda (reportedly a bid has been tabled) and Eden Hazard (more of a rumour) being linked, he just might have a little genius inside that huge coat. They do have a run of fixtures coming up that most would fancy and don’t face too stiff of competition until the 5th of Februrary when they travel to Stamford Bridge (if you don’t count Everton and Stoke). If Roy plays his cards right (e.g. playing Pacheco and more youngsters and not playing Poulsen) he could find himself knocking on 4th place’s door. Oh, also Tom Hicks and George Gillette are taking LFC back to court. Awesome.
Zero to Hero
£30m has never looked so good. Dimitar Berbatov is firing in goals like it’s his job. Finally. Because it is his job. And he used
Andytar Berbacia
to suck at his job. That said, the Bulgarian ace has been in a rich vein of form with the Red Devils and is currently sitting Top Scorer of the Premier League with 11 goals. And with Blackpool next on the fixture list at Old Trafford, the Andy Garcia body double’s odds of scoring are looking pretty decent. The Seasiders have allowed 18 away goals this season (2nd in the EPL).
Shape of Things to Come
While it may be fruitless to try and lay down a prediction for the second half of the season, I may as well try. Chelsea have Tottenham coming up, United have Arsenal, then Chelsea have United, then Arsenal have Chelsea…as you can see, there will be much movement within the top 5 or 6 in coming months. Nothing will be set in stone until May 22nd rolls around. However, with the look of things, United and Chelsea are still looking favorites for the title. Arsenal have a fantastic squad, as do Spurs and City, but shortcomings in each squad will prove decisive in their respective bids for the crown. Arsenal have proven time and again that they can’t last the full season and often drop results come the tail end of the season. Manchester City are going through issues within the squad and with the manager (shocking) and that will eventually provide their fall from the Top 4. Tottenham have a legitimate shot at going for 3rd or even 2nd should results go their way. They have a solid squad, a good looking schedule and are playing football that wins games. The only blotch on their otherwise shiny squad is the injury to Rafael Van der Vaart. The Dutchman has been instrumental this year in providing goals and scoring them himself, and it will be interesting to see how the Londoners cope without the big man.
Prediction – The Top 4 won’t have the same occupants this year as it did last year. Manchester City should rest in 4th but may even snag 3rd spot from under Arsenal’s noses if they don’t clean up their act in the latter half of the season. Who says money can’t buy happiness? It will be a slug fest for top spot and the May 7th game where United host Chelsea could well decide the title. Tottenham and Liverpool will find themselves in 5th and 6th place, respectively after a fruitful transfer window for the latter pays dividends.
Filed under: premier league | Tags: alberto aquilani, arsenal, aston villa, birmingham, blackburn, blackpool, bolton, chelsea, christian poulsen, danny murphy, everton, fernando torres, florent malouda, javier mascherano, liverpool, lucas, manchester city, manchester united, steven gerrard, stoke city, tottenham, west brom, west ham, wolverhampton, yaya toure
With the first round of games knocked down in the English Premier League, football fans across the globe now have their feet wet in one of the most appetizing leagues in the world.
A handful of games could have been dismissed as early season anxiety, however, some were worth note. Newly promoted Blackpool took Wigan to the cleaners for 4 goals, and sit second in the table under Chelsea and above Manchester United. They may want to relish the position, because not many can claim they’ve held it for long. The reigning champions demolished West Brom by 6 goals to nil, Liverpool (i.e. Pepe Reina) surrendered their lead to Arsenal in the 90th minute after being reduced to 10 men, Tottenham and Manchester City played out a goalless draw in London and Manchester United cruised to a sweet 3-0 over
Impressive was an understatement for the reigning champions against West Brom.
Newcastle.
With the initial nerves fading fast and reality setting in, teams must soon realize that if they don’t snap out of their summer funk soon, they’ll be looking at a long season (we’re looking at you Wigan). Standout fixtures are mainly Liverpool v. Manchester City and Manchester United at Fulham. That’s right. United have lost their last three visits to the Cottage, and you wonder in the Londoners can keep up the streak.
Liverpool will be looking to overcome their last minute draw against Arsenal in a tough tie against Chelsea look-a-likes Manchester City at Eastlands. Manchester have yet to prove their credentials in the Premier League,granted their first game was against Champions League newboys Tottenham at White Hart Lane. Liverpool will be without Joe Cole and with Aquilani seemingly on his way, it looks like Gerrard will line up behind Torres, with maybe Mascherano/Lucas paired up with Poulson, who looked rather impressive against Trabzonspor. City have a slew of players in their ranks and Mancini has his pick. Balotelli may well start up alongside Tevez, and, if he does, I will seem more like a statement from Mancini rather than a genuine selection. Yaya Toure is expected to start and he will provide a great matchup for Gerrard and whoever wins that battle, controls the ebb and flow of the game and could very well control the outcome of the match.
Typically, a Manchester United matchup against Fulham would yield a full three points for the former, however, on Fulham’s
Danny Murphy nets from the spot as Fulham beat Manchester United at Craven Cottage.
ground, the Red Devils have lost three consecutive matches. Will the fact that Roy Hodgson has moved on to Liverpool make a difference for the tie? Or is Craven Cottage simply kryptonite for United? Fulham may be without Mark Schwarzer between the sticks but Hughes is hopeful of a return for the Aussie stopper. Patrice Evra was a doubtful for a little while, but it looks like he’s shaken off the knock and will suit up against Fulham. Wayne Rooney hasn’t scored for his club since…United played Fulham at Old Trafford last March. Since then, the boys gone dry. Other than those little snippits of information, there isn’t a lot to be said about the tie until the teams actually take the field.
Predictions – Being so early in the season, it’s hard to try and call the shots. However, that’s exactly what I’m going to do…
Saturday
Arsenal 2 – 0 Blackpool
Birmingham 1 – 0 Blackburn
Everton 2 – 1 Wolves
Stoke City 1 – 3 Tottenham
West Brom 0 – 0 Sunderland
West Ham 1 – 0 Bolton
Wigan 0 – 3 Chelsea
Sunday
Fulham 1 – 1 Manchester United
Newcastle 1 – 2 Aston Villa
Monday
Manchester City 1 – 1 Liverpool
A lot of close games, and, obviously, a lot can depend on who the head men select for the starting XI. Until next week, we’ll see who is the quickest out of the starting gates…
Filed under: premier league, Transfer | Tags: aiden mcgeady, arsenal, ashley cole, aston villa, cesc fabregas, chelsea, david moyes, deco, dimitar berbatov, eden hazard, edin dzeko, emiliano insua, fernando torres, frank lampard, inter milan, jack rodwell, james milner, jan mucha, javier mascherano, jermaine beckford, joao silva, joe cole, jose mourinho, kaka, liverpool, luis fabiano, luis suarez, magaye gueye, manchester city, manchester united, mario balotelli, mark schwarzer, michael ballack, mikel arteta, nemanja vidic, nick shorey, patrice evra, rafael van der vaart, real madrid, robbie keane, roy hodgson, samir handanovic, sergio aguero, shaun wright philips, sol campbell, stephen ireland, steven gerrard, steven pienaar, tim cahill, tottenham, wesley sneijder
James Milner or Bruce Banner?
Even as the World Cup droned on, players were changing hands, contracts signed and bridges burned all over the world of football. David Silva made the rare choice to switch clubs during the World Cup while being involved with it, Yossi Benayoun moved south and David Villa made what is probably going to be the biggest move of the summer to Barcelona.
Those are confirmed switches. However, even before a deal is officially complete, everybody usually knows about it. So what are the budding rumours?
Arsenal – The Gunners need a goalkeeper and a holding midfielder, that’s why it’s no surprise that two top notch keepers are linked in Schwarzer and Handanovic. Initially, it was thought that the £4m asking price for the Fulham man was too high, seeing as how he is 37. Handanovic is only 26 years old and would be a great signing for Arsenal. It seems unlikely that Cole will sign as Wenger said that they don’t need any players in the wing areas, so it makes it more unlikely that Hazard will sign as he is the same sort of player and probably more expensive. Fabregas looks set to stay for the season at least, but next year may find Barcelona too much to resist. The biggest problem for Arsenal is that they are fully staffed in nearly every area of the pitch, but they are all around 21 years old and need time to mature. There is a lot of promise to be had in Arsenal’s squad, but it may not reach its potential for a few years time.
Ins – Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Samir Handanovič (Udinese), Eden Hazard (Lille), Joe Cole (Free)
Outs – Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Sol Campbell (Celtic, Sunderland, West Ham)
Aston Villa – Other than everything that is being clearly reported by the press, Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill is being
The Former Spurs' captain could be set for just about anywhere.
characteristically tight lipped about his transfer plans. Once again, he is attempted to hang on to one of his star players despite interest from another club (once again Manchester City). McGeady gets a lot of mixed reactions from EPL fans and whether he makes or breaks in the Prem will be a mystery until he potentially signs and plays for the first time. Robbie Keane would be a great signing. He’s Prem proven and a well rounded forward who has more finesse than John Carew but is more physical than Gabby Agbonlahor.
Ins – Aiden McGeady (Celtic), Robbie Keane (Tottenham),
Outs – James Milner (Man City), Nick Shorey (Liverpool),
Chelsea – With Joe Cole, Michael Ballack and Deco all walking out the door of Stamford Bridge, it’s hard to imagine that Ancelotti won’t look to replace at least one or two of them. He is a manager known for not liking complete overhauls, so it doesn’t seem like several major summer signings are in order. Fernando Torres looks like staying this season after Hodgson came out and said they had good talks, but this is “Silly Season” and anything can happen. If he does leave, it will be for a sizable sum (reportedly £50m). Kaká has been linked in numerous locations, but it’s hard to imagine that Mourinho would dump the former FIFA World Player of the Year without much of a chance. Don’t bet on him moving. Sergio Aguero has been long linked with the Blues, and it wouldn’t shock me if he ended up making the change. The young Argentine is worth about £30m and could be well worth it, but whether he’ll be a fit for the EPL is still up for debate. Ashley Cole could well be bound for Real Madrid along with team mate Frank Lampard, as both will be keen to link up with former manager Jose Mourinho.
Ins – Sergio Aguero (At. Madrid), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), Kaká (Real Madrid)
Outs – Frank Lampard (Real Madrid), Ashley Cole (Real Madrid)
Everton – Shrewd, yet brilliant would characterize David Moyes’s transfer style. He rarely breaks bank, but he manages to bring in outstanding talent for half as much as other players are moving for. Steven Pienaar signed for £2m, as did Mikel Arteta. Tim Cahill joined the Toffees for only £1.5m! These players are worth more than triple those figures now, and everybody (myself included) are interested to see who Moyes brings in next. So far, Moyes has brought in 3 strikers, which says something about what he sees as needing improvement. Moyes, like I said, is very shrewd and not much transfer whisperings leave Goodison until it’s a done deal. His biggest task of the summer will be convincing Steven Pienaar to stay around, with Tottenham & co. waiting in the wings. A big boost for all of Moyes’s transfer dealings is that most of his players owe him quite a bit of loyalty, because, if it weren’t for him, they could still be rotting in Championship sides.
Ins – Joao Silva (Desportivo Das Aves), Jermaine Beckford (Leeds), Magaye Gueye (Strasbourg), Jan Mucha (Legia Warsaw)
Outs – Steven Pienaar (Tottenham), Mikel Arteta (Manchester City), Jack Rodwell (Manchester United)
Announcing his hour long TV special, "The Decision" in the next few days...
Liverpool – Until they kick their campaign off against Arsenal at Anfield, many questions will be asked of Hodgson’s side (and will probably be asked after that, as well). Obvious transfer rumours include Fernando Torres, Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano’s futures. If Hodgson can convince at least two of them to stay, the Anfield faithful can breathe easy again. Mascherano looks already out the door as he has made no secret that he wishes to join up with Benitez again at Inter Milan and is reportedly dodging Roy Hodgson’s calls and texts. Liverpool have made an approach for Joe Cole, and though Spurs look the likelier destination, he may not be out of the question for the Reds. Rafael van der Vaart has been linked as well, but that would concede Steven Gerrard to a more central role in the pitch. That or…he could be leaving. For once, it seems, most of the transfer rumours (In’s at least) have yet to surface, as Hodgson gets a better look at his squad. They have, however, declared their interest in speaking to some of Manchester City’s more disenchanted players.
Ins – Joe Cole (free), Stephen Ireland (Manchester City), Shaun Wright-Philips (Manchester City), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid)
Outs – Steven Gerrard (Real Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea, Barcelona), Javier Mascherano (Inter Milan), Emiliano Insua (Fiorentina)
Manchester City – This could well take up 2000 words, so I’ll do my best to keep it short. Linked with just about any player who has featured for a national team in a major competition, Manchester City’s strategy mirrors that of Chelsea’s. Money talks. If it doesn’t, try more. Seemingly a band of well paid mercenaries, the Blues at Eastlands don’t seem to find much of an emotional attachment to any of their players. Boys move seamlessly in and out, but it’s hard to ignore the talent that now forms their Starting XI. Mancini is known to be an admirer of Fernando Torres, James Milner, Mario Balotelli and Edin Dzeko. All four of which are serious possibilites, however it is hard to see Torres moving to such a heavy rival to Liverpool. But Milner and Dzeko look to be really itching to join ranks at Eastlands, where it looks like a matter of time for Balotelli.
Ins – Mario Balotelli (Inter Milan), Edin Dzeko (Wolfsburg), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), James Milner (Aston Villa)
Outs – Craig Bellamy (Tottenham), Joe Hart (Arsenal), Carlos Tevez (Real Madrid, Inter Milan)
Manchester United – The finances of The Red Devils are really a mystery. Does Ferguson have the sales from Cristiano
Ronaldo? Do they have to sell to buy? Regardless, like every summer window, United are linked with a host of top players. Vidic looks set to move to Real Madrid, and then the question becomes: who will replace him? Despite the fact that Ferguson came out and said they aren’t interested in Joe Cole, the gaffer is known as a master of mind games and may well be working a number in the transfer market. Wesley Sneijder has been linked, but there looks little possibility that the Inter Milan man will leave. He’s among the most talented players in the world at the moment and enjoying playing with the European champions and is coming off a trip to the World Cup Final. Luis Suarez is another name that has popped up on the radar, but the striker would only be brought in should Berbatov be sold.
Ins – Luis Suarez (Ajax), Jack Rodwell (Everton), James Milner (Aston Villa), Steven Pienaar (Everton)
Outs – Nemanja Vidic (Real Madrid), Dimitar Berbatov (Bayern Munich, AC Milan), Patrice Evra (Real Madrid)
Tottenham – Top 4 new boys, Tottenham Hotspur will really be looking to show the Premier League that they are no slouches, and they won’t have to wait long as they open their campaign with Manchester City at White Hart Lane. Then they enjoy an October by hosting Everton and Aston Villa and traveling to Old Trafford to finish up. However, Harry Redknapp hasn’t made a lot of noise in the transfer window so far other than rumblings. He’s set to sign 21 year old Internacional holding midfielder Sandro once their domestic campaign ends, but don’t put it past Redknapp to have more than a few lines in the water. By the sounds of it, those include Joe Cole, Steven Pienaar, Craig Bellamy, and Luis Fabiano. Clearly Redknapp sees improvement in the attacking aspect of his squad and looks to be doing his utmost to see talent brought in. And with their newly attained Top 4 spot, not many of their players seem to be looking for the exit.
Ins – Joe Cole (free), Steven Pienaar (Everton), Craig Bellamy (Manchester City), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla)
Outs – Robbie Keane (Aston Villa, Celtic)
Allegedly one of Hodgson's "disenchanted" stars who could be on his way out of Anfield.
Summary – Joe Cole is one of the biggest English talents on the move this summer, and he looks set for either Tottenham, Liverpool or Arsenal, but his wages seem to be a sticking point for most of them. Still, Spurs look likely. Fernando Torres is a big name player who could be on the move, but looking at Hodgson’s comments today, he may be sticking around Merseyside for a season longer. Somebody who doesn’t look to be is Javier Mascherano. The Argentine captain seems to be ignoring the new manager’s calls and texts about his future. If that is the case, then his professional attitude needs a serious adjusting. James Milner to Manchester City could well be on the cards if Martin O’Neill doesn’t stand in his way…however the North Irishman has a nasty habit of doing just that. Milner is about a 50/50 at this point to stay.
There is still much more than any regular fan can fathom at this point, and with the World Cup over, we can watch it all unfold.
Filed under: International, World Cup | Tags: arjen robben, carlos puyol, david villa, dutch, fernando torres, final, gerard pique, giovanni van bronckhorst, holland, iker casillas, iniesta, joan capdevila, Joris Mathijsen, mark van bommel, martin stekelenberg, netherlands, oranje, pedro, preview, robin van persie, sergio busquets, spain, wesley sneijder, world cup, xabi alonso, xavi
NETHERLANDS – SPAIN
“Fresh Meat”
Final – Preview
July 11th, 2010
There’s a first time for everything, and for Spain, it’s a World Cup Final. For the Netherlands, it could potentially be their first ever World Cup trophy after featuring in the final in 1974 and 1978. Those appearances coupled with their Euro 1988 win give the Dutch the historical edge, but recently, Spain is the more accomplished of the two sides after winning Euro 2008.
Neither side is a sure bet for the win, as they are both more than capable of winning the tournament. The pitch will be packed with talent as the likes of Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Dirk Kuyt will take on the Spanish Armada consisting of Xavi, Andrés Iniesta and David Villa. Ironically, both teams have been notorious for choking in the past, yet both find themselves thrust onto literally the greatest stage in world football.
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Netherlands –
The Oranje are a well oiled machine. Any questions that were asked of them before the tournament have promptly been answered as the Dutch are now 6/6 in South Africa. They’re not as flashy as some of their supporters would like, but you can’t argue with the results they’re cranking out. Beating Slovakia, Brazil and Uruguay is no small order but the Oranje have done it well.
In a rich vein of form, the Inter Milan man could win the Champions League and World Cup this year.
Stengths
The Dutch have world class talent littered across the pitch. Wesley Sneijder is almost without question, the best attacking midfielder in the world and he’s flanked by Arjen Robben and Dirk Kuyt – two very different players but both extremely effective in their play. Against Uruguay, their back line looked a lot better than it did in the first half against Brazil, and all four starters should be fit and ready to go against Spain.
Weaknesses
Their defensive unit. Van Bronckhorst, their captain is 35, Joris Mathijsen is 30 and Andre Ooijer (should he be used) is 35. Now Van Bronckhorst showed that he still has quite a bit of power in his screamer against Uruguay, but he still can be exposed by speed and trickery. Notably, he will face quite a bit more of that against the Spaniards, who are brimming with confidence and skill. If David Villa has a bad game (you never know), then it could really open the match up as Netherlands will be able to fortify the back line while using van Bommel to help defense flow seamlessly into attack. Also, the Dutch will really have to hope that Robin Van Persie finds some kind of form, because their striking department has lacked bite.
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Spain
If there’s any time to buckle, this is not it. However, you can’t help but feel that having never been to the finals, that this might be their most likely time to do so. With so much expectation and playing such hot-and-cold football, who really knows what Spain team will show up against the Netherlands.
Strengths
What isn’t a strength for Spain? The boast one of the best keepers on the planet, Pique and Puyol anchor the back line, Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta and Pedro/Busquets make up the midfield and they have one of the most in-form strikers in the world in David Villa. They play classy and attractive football, and should they score the first goal, the Netherlands will find it incredibly tough to bounce back. They’re the strongest squad on paper going into the final, but, as we all know well, that doesn’t mean much.
Weaknesses
The Spanish aren’t flawless, as many would like to believe. They have tendencies and soft spots that can be exposed if rubbed the right way. Playing with a lone striker allows teams to crowd them out and frustrate their attack. Netherlands isn’t known as a counter attacking team, which isn’t good news for Spain as their style is tailormade for stiffling counter attacking play. I’ve always said that Joan Capdevila is their weakest player, and while that says a lot about their starting line up (because Capdevila is a solid player), he will be facing Arjen Robben and likely Dirk Kuyt. As the Germans tried to exploit (albeit unsuccessfully) were the soft spots behind the holding midfielder and in front of the defense. And with Ramos pushing so far up the pitch, Sneijder will make a killing off those pockets in which he can work with Kuyt or Robben.
Gelson Fernandes scores the winner for Switzerland against Spain in the Group opener.
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Prediction – Both teams are formidable sides, but it’s hard to look past Spain now. Germany was probably their sternest test, and with that out of the way, they look like they could well go on to win it.
Netherlands 0 – 2 Spain
Filed under: International, World Cup | Tags: bastian schweinsteiger, david villa, fernando torres, germany, iniesta, lucas podolski, mesut ozil, sami kheidra, sergio busquets, spain, xabi alonso, xavi
A late addition to Football Station, I know, but today is a vital match up between familiar foes who have met on the international stage before in Euro 2008. In that instance, Fernando Torres scored the only goal of the game as the Iberian squad marched to victory over the Germans.
David Villa has carried the goal count almost entirely (Iniesta has one!).
This time, it’s different. Much different. Germany are steamrolling teams and looking like an downright powerhouse going into this tie, and despite the fact that Spain has one of the most talented rosters in the world, they haven’t hit top gear in South Africa just yet. After losing to Switzerland, the Spanish have won every game, but they have yet to play a team such as Germany, and their shortcomings could become evident while playing such a team.
Do the Germans have any flaws? You bet. They aren’t as deep a squad as they would like, luckily for the Germans, it doesn’t look like they need one. However, with Thomas Mueller suspended from the freak “handball” call in their game against Argentina, the youngster will have to sit this one out. Piotr Trochowski the 26 year old Hamburg man, takes his spot and will be looking to take the Spanish apart with his skillful dribbling.
The Spanish don’t exactly have many flaws. If the form of Fernando Torres was present in one of their full backs, then there might be a real problem. Maybe that’s why he isn’t starting. But the nice thing for the Spanish is that you can afford to have a
Mesut Ozil has been key for the Germans in South Africa.
forward not on top form. That said, Spain’s biggest problem, historically, is their inability to finish teams off. This could be entirely possible if Torres doesn’t hit top gear. Villa has been carrying the goal load almost single handedly in South Africa and could really use some help from his striking compatriot. Germany play rough and tough defense, something Torres will be familiar from being a Liverpool player. Will it pay dividends? Eh, we’ll see.
The Spanish have a loaded midfield full of talent, pinpoint passing and plenty of guile. Well isn’t that convenient…because so do the Germans. Germany have Schweinsteiger, Khedira, Ozil and Podolski. Spain have Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets. It’s close but the edge may go to Spain. Spain are vulnerable to the counter attack, though, as their striking department contain the most pace on the pitch. Xabi Alonso isn’t known for pace, nor is Busquets. Puyol can be vulnerable to a pacy player and Capdevila (probably the weakest link for the Spaniards, which is saying a lot) has been exposed in the past as well.
Germany’s biggest fear should be extra time. Should they have to draw from the bench late on in the game, the Spanish can take it. Also, the Germans haven’t had to really chase a game this World Cup, and when they did, they lost to Serbia. If the Spaniards score first, that could be curtains as well.
Prediction
If the match doesn’t go to extra time…
Germany 2 – 1 Spain
If it does…
Could go anywhere…but we fancy Spain.
Filed under: International, World Cup | Tags: argentina, bastian schweinsteiger, bayern munich, carlos tevez, diego maradona, diego milito, england, germany, gonzalo higuain, lionel messi, liverpool, manchester city, mesut ozil, mexico, philip lahm, sergio aguero, world cup
GERMANY – ARGENTINA
“BAD BLOOD”
Preview
July 3rd, 2010
When the ball drops Saturday in Cape Town and it will have nearly been a week since Germany and Argentina had secured their places in a mouthwatering quarterfinal fixture that has nothing less than a finals atmosphere. Arguably the most anticipated quarterfinal matchup was created from two very similar second round matches as Germany sent home fellow European “rivals” England with their tails between their legs upon capitalizing on a Lampard goal-that-never-was that seemed to deflate any English momentum as the Germans went on to dismantle the absent English defense on second-half counter attacks.
The scuffle in Germany, 2006.
Argentina’s “Hand of God” sequel compliments of Italian referee Roberto Rosetti’s un raised arm seemed to take El Tri’s mind off of their game plan and more on exacting revenge by way of a half-time tunnel scuffle. An early Tevez bullet after the break sent El Tri on a one-way ticket back to the beaches of Acapulco. It’s fair to say that both teams arrived in the Quarterfinal on questionable circumstances.
Historical bad blood has sparked Germany’s captain-in-waiting Bastian Schweinsteiger to take the opening shot of what has developed into a war of words between the two heavily decorated sides. Schweinsteiger has recently accused the Argentineans of displaying a “lack of respect” during their second round tilt against Mexico. The German midfielder went on to cite that Diego Maradona’s squad are anything but reluctant to influence the referees in any way possible for their benefit. “It starts before the match. You see how they gesticulate, how they try to influence the referee. That is not part of the game. That is a lack of respect. They are like that. We should not be provoked by them.” Schweinsteiger continued to legitimize his claims by pointing out that this has been commonplace of the Argentinean mentality and character on the pitch.
It is clear that the Bayern workhorse has still not forgotten the post-game clash that erupted after Germany’s victory in penalties over Argentina that produce a clash between the players and coaching staff from both sides during the 2006 World Cup Quarterfinals. Schweinsteiger has come out and said that he has made it a point to remind his team-mates of their history and to not react to any Argentinean provocation come the start of Saturday’s showdown, which doesn’t seem to be quite a bad idea with the immense presence of the seemingly card-happy officiating thus far in the World Cup. (i.e. Kaka)
On the other hand, who was surprised to see the constantly outspoken Carlos Tevez presenting his rebuttal to the off-field German offensive? Not me. Tevez combated Germany’s critiques of his side’s character by insisting that Mexico are a far more formable
The Manchester City man has been more than happy to have a spat with the Germans.
and fearsome squad than the one anchored by Schweinsteiger. “The Mexicans play better football. They took the ball from us in the first minutes of the first half and at the start of the second. We should have suffered more if we hadn’t struck at the right moments.” Shortly after the Schweinsteiger comments, Tevez told Clarin that he was more afraid of Mexico than Germany despite an absolute showcase of pass and move counterattacking against the star-studded Three Lions.
It is clear that Tevez’s confidence may arise from the two sides’ last meeting during a Friendly match in Munich where Diego Maradona’s squad defeated the Germans 1-0 in a less than strenuous effort. When brought to his attention, Schweinsteiger seemed unmoved by this fact saying, “One, it was a friendly. Two, they did not create many chances either. Three, we have gained a lot of confidence by beating England and the good tactics we used in that game.” Those good tactics will undoubtedly need an encore against the South Americans who seem to be unstoppable at the moment, having not lost a single match yet during this year’s World Cup campaign.
The two sides look to be extremely well matched, which seems to be the reason for the sudden outburst of words from either camp as each team seems to be desperately looking for added ammunition to use as motivation in a quarterfinal match that looks to be as unpredictable as the Argentinean master and commander, Diego Maradona.
Liverpool hard man, Mascherano, will be key to stopping the young Mesut Ozil.
I have no doubts that either team will come out at their strongest to live up to either country’s immense expectations. Argentina has more than an adequate supply of attacking power with a laundry list of world class finishers (Higuain, Messi, Tevez, Milito, Aguero) but their defensive play has long been suspect. As if the England game doesn’t provide enough evidence, the Germans have a reputation of capitalizing on such weaknesses by utilizing the speed and width play of their youth movement. Look to Germany to continue their balanced and control-based passing game with calculated and organized counterattacks, which will test the nerve of Argentina’s back line. Even more so than any other game, the capitalization of chances will be crucial for either side in a match where the sheer presence of world-class talent will be on full display. I see Germany putting away at least one or two of these chances against a possibly more vulnerable back line than previously presented to them by England, where Argentina’s strike happy hit men will see fewer opportunities against a veteran German back line. Ozil may play less a part in this game as he sizes up against Captain Javier Mascherano. The latter is certainly capable of neutralizing any offensive threat in the world, and the German youngster is no different. Still…
Prediction:
Germany 3 – 2 Argentina
– Eric Fortin
Filed under: International, World Cup | Tags: alvaro pereira, andre ayew, anthony annan, asamoah gyan, diego lugano, edinson cavani, ghana, hans sarpei, kevin prince-boateng, martin caceres, milovan rajevac, nicolas lodeiro, oscar tabarez, sulley muntari, uruguay
GHANA – URUGUAY
“Strike Anywhere”
Preview
July 2nd, 2010
Soccer City, South Africa
Seemingly one of the more underwhelming Quarterfinals, the Ghana – Uruguay game has as much potential excitement etched
Gyan will need to be on point to get Ghana through to the Semi's.
into it as any of the other ties. Both sides overcame the odds to make it here, advanced out of very tough groups and are not to be underestimated, as so many have and paid for it. Just like every Quarterfinal, a clear cut winner is anything but certain, and this will be a game of inches. The winner will be the one who takes advantage of their chances in front of goal and defends as a unit.
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The only remaining African team will be hoping to have the crowd behind them as they take on 1 of 4 South American teams at Soccer City on Saturday. It must be bittersweet for Michael Essien to have to watch this game from the sidelines, but he will be bursting with pride at his countrymen’s efforts so far. Plus, he will probably still be a member of the 2014 World Cup squad in Brazil and he will be doing everything possible to make sure he’s fit for it.
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The Ghanaians have an injury scare with star striker Asamoah Gyan, whose stunning winner against the United States saw them to the Quarterfinals, picked up an ankle injury. Despite this, he is still expected to play, and the Elephants will be desperate for him to be fit. His goal against the Yanks in the first knockout round will have him brimming with confidence and he will be giving the Uruguayan back line some trying moments. However the South Americans are prepared for that threat with Martín Cáceres (Barcelona) and Captain Diego Lugano (Fenerbahçe) anchoring the back four.
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With a powerful midfield, Ghana will be looking to flex the muscle of Kevin Prince-Boateng, Andre Ayew and Anthony Annan. Sulley Muntari might be called into action to try and throw a wrench in the gears of the Uruguayan midfield’s attacking moves. What Ghana forces teams to do with their busy midfield of 5 players, is play the long ball over the top to try and cut out the African’s middle men. The problem is that the Ghanaian team is tailor made for such tactics as we saw in the United States game and they are content to out muscle the opposing strikers, let their midfield claim possession and knock the ball around for a few minutes. The problem with this game is that they are facing two red hot strikers in Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan.
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Uruguay didn’t surprise too many by advancing from their tough group, so don’t expect them to roll over and die for a very talented
Diego Forlan: Too hot for Group A. And too hot for his jersey apparently.
and young African squad. The South Americans’ biggest asset is their strike force of Suarez and Forlan, and they will be looking to utilize that as much as possible, especially on their right side of the field where Hans Sarpei (the oldest member of an incredibly young squad) will be playing. The 34 year old is capable but looks weary towards the end of games and will be prime for punishment when the game gets down to the grind. If Ghana are ahead at 80 minutes, expect the South Americans to channel their attacking drive towards Sarpei, or at least until Milovan Rajevac, the Serbian manager, replaces him which he is wont to do.
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If Uruguay tries to play how Ghana want them to, then expect the African side to advance to an unprecedented first ever Semifinal appearance. However, coach Óscar Tabárez has been around the block a few times and will be wary of how Ghana intend to play this game. Edinson Cavani and Alvaro Pereira hold down the midfield with Diego Perez and won’t be susceptible as the Americans in midfield, especially if Tabárez opts to play the gritty Nicolás Lodeiro alongside them. He’s small but he’s physical, which could be exactly what they need to overcome the hustle and bustle of the Ghana midfield. If both he and Muntari play, it will be an interesting match and not a question of who will win the physical battle but who will receive a red card first?
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Ghana has allowed a goal in every one of their games except their opener, whereas Uruguay has only conceded a single goal and shut out all of Group A.
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Both sides can win this game and both know it full well. Uruguay has more experience, but Ghana has more energy and the homefield backing. The midfield will toil, but this game will be made in the striking department. You only get a few clear chances a game, and the winner will be the one who can capitalize on theirs.
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Prediction
Uruguay 1 – 0 Ghana – though, extra time is not out of the question.
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Sub Prediction
Diego Forlan will at some point be shirtless.
Filed under: International, World Cup | Tags: argentina, arjen robben, Brazil, dirk kuyt, dutch, eljero elia, holland, johnny heitinga, Joris Mathijsen, julio cesar, klaas jan huntelaar, lucio, maicon, mark van bommel, martin stekelenberg, netherlands, paraguay, robin van persie, ryan babel, spain, uruguay, wesley sneijder, world cup
NETHERLANDS – BRAZIL
“WING IT”
Preview
July 2nd, 2010
Port Elizabeth, South Africa
With no games today and no games tomorrow, the footballing world is left twiddling its thumbs and (if their side is still in the competition) throwing up a Hail Mary or two. The competition was been slashed from 32 teams to 8, sending 24 squads packing home. Saturday brings two world heavy weights and two relative underdogs toe to toe in the competition. South America is represented in every one of the Quarterfinals (Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, & Uruguay) , while Europe has three in Germany, Netherlands and Spain. With the world’s finest footballers sharing the same field this weekend, there are bound to be fireworks.
NETHERLANDS – BRAZIL
Football purists are drooling over this tie and for good reason. Bayern Munich team mates Mark van Bommel and Arjen Robben take the field against the Inter Milan defensive trio of Lucio, Maicon and Julio Cesar – whom they faced in the Champions League Final.
There isn’t much between the two sides, and it will be down to the wire on Saturday as Wesley Sneijder leads the Dutch against Kaká and the South Americans. Brazil’s back line is deceptively versatile as it can turn all out defense to attack in seconds through the speedy outside backs who love to get in on the action. Brazil have conceded only 2 goals in the tournament while scoring 8. Both of the goals allowed came late against Brazil after they had seemingly won the game, which could be a warning sign that they could be more vulnerable towards the 90 minute mark. Still, their squad’s overall solidity is nearly absurd, as they are all bonafide stars. The spine of the team is Julio Cesar, Lucio, Kaká and Luis Fabiano. Don’t tell me that doesn’t just bring a tear to your eye.
Robben will be hoping to expose Michel Bastos on Saturday.
Netherlands are a similar story, as they have also conceded only 2 goals but have scored 7 times, one less than the Brazilians. They possess some of the trickiest wingers in the world with not only Arjen Robben, but Eljero Elia and Ryan Babel, as well. Their strike force is almost second to none with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Robin van Persie, Dirk Kuyt and their wingers frequently getting in on the action. The Dutch flex their attacking menace insanely well and like to have Sneijder pulling the strings behind the strikers and spraying the ball wide for Robben and Dirk Kuyt to play with. The former loves to cut in on his left foot and let fly from outside the box, and past experiences against Fiorentina in the Champions League and Slovakia just a few days ago will tell us he is more capable than anyone at making that cut pay dividends.
Key matchups are all over the field, as it happens when world class opponents face each other. Take your pick.
Robben vs. Bastos.
Van Persie vs. Lucio.
Fabiano vs. Heitinga.
Felipe Melo vs. Sneijder.
Kaká vs. De Jong.
If you had to pick a weak spot in the tie, it might be the Dutch back line. Captain Giovanni van Bronckhorst is 35 and can be exposed by pace, as he will surely meet against Robinho and Luis Fabiano. Joris Mathijsen is a sturdy central defender but, like his captain, is susceptible to trickery and the more fleet footed. Also, Stekelenberg is a great keeper, but he will be up against one
The little magician certainly has some tricks up his sleeve.
of the top attacking lines in the world and might fall victim to a slew of Brazilian shots. Also, the Dutch are perennial chokers. They are known to cruise through qualifying, breeze past formidable opponents, only to fall to lesser ones. Here’s hoping history doesn’t repeat it self and we are in for a real game.
If anybody on the Dutch squad can expose inexperience, it’s Arjen Robben. Luckily for the Europeans, he will be matched up against one of the least experienced Brazilians in Michel Bastos. While the Lyon full back is a very capable defensive player, he hasn’t face as much attacking power thus far in South Africa (and that’s saying something after coming out of Group G).
Also, the atmosphere for this game should be off the charts. The famous Oranje supporters meet the world renowned Brazilian maniacs who live and die by their national team’s results. Hopefully we can hear some songs now (considering that there isn’t an African team playing) other than the dull drone of the vuvuzelas.
Hopefully, Dunga and Bert van Marwijk will be looking to win the game, rather than trying not to lose.
This game will be made in the wings. Robinho and Robben hold the keys to a game that will be poised on a knife edge.
Prediction
Brazil 2 – 1 Netherlands (after extra time)
Filed under: International, World Cup | Tags: ashley cole, bastian schweinsteiger, david james, emile heskey, fabio capello, frank lampard, gareth barry, glen johnson, jamie carragher, jermain defoe, joachim loew, joe cole, john terry, lucas podolski, matthew upson, mesut ozil, miroslav klose, peter crouch, steven gerrard, wayne rooney
ENGLAND – GERMANY
“THE BATTLE IN BLOEMFONTEIN”
Preview
June 27th, 2010
Bloemfontein, South Africa
Football fans are drooling over this historic tie, and for good reason. Both teams appear packed to the brim with talent, have very capable managers and the expectations of their nations thrown heavily on their shoulders. Individually, England are spectacular, as a unit, they lack connection. Despite the fact that they started to look like a real team against Slovenia, that was Slovenia. This is Germany. The two are different. Germany were a little bit of a grab bag in Group D as they romped Australia, lost to Serbia (who were beaten by Australia) and narrowly beat Ghana. Calling a winner will be tough, as typically just the mention of either country’s name triggers a reaction in the football fan’s brain that they are favorites to win the match.
All business.
England – Almost more than any country in the world (save Brazil, maybe), England are expected to win the World Cup every time they enter it. The UK is a nation obsessed with watching the Three Lions romp to victory, so it has been understandably tough for the country to sit by idly and watch their national team play a limp draw with the United States, an even limper draw with Algeria and finally find a little rhythm against Slovenia, but still nothing of what is expected of them. Then again, the things that are expected of them are seemingly impossible. Show me a “realistic” England fan and I’ll show you a liar.
Player for player, England might actually be better than Germany, but that is not the case, obviously. It is almost impossible to predict which players will actually come to play for the Brits. Wayne Rooney absolutely lit up the Premier League but can’t buy a goal in South Africa. John Terry has offset the balance of the team with his well publicized scandal with Ms. Bridge and his outburst with Capello. The question is: why doesn’t England win every game by 3 goals? Maybe their egos? Not enough chemistry?
Rooney can't believe his luck as he fails to find the target once more against Slovenia.
Starting from the front, England are gifted by all means. Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Emile Heskey are all capable of making an impact in just about any game…funny thing is that none of them really have at the World Cup except Defoe who netted a lovely winner against Slovenia. Wayne Rooney is paramount to this tie against Germany. So much so, that we’re calling that if he doesn’t turn up tomorrow, England is out.
The midfield is jam packed with talent in Gerrard, Lampard, Rooney and hopefully for purists out there Joe Cole. Cole would be a lovely inclusion for the very defensively rigid Germans and his creativity would counteract that of Mesut Ozil’s, who is guaranteed to give England problems in the back.
Speaking of which, the back line for England is suspect. John Terry has performed, but hasn’t been amazing, Jamie Carragher shows age, Glen Johnson can’t, well…defend, but Ashley Cole may be England’s top performer thus far in South Africa. The ‘keeper situation is well known and David James will be aware that the Germans will test him early and often.
Keys for England are Rooney coming to play, Gerrard motivating, and no calamitous error from David “Calamity” James.
Germany – There is never a time that Germany enter the World Cup with expectations lower than an appearance in the final.
Doesn't like Capello's attitude.
Why should they? They have a great squad every time they come to the World Cup. Even without Michael Ballack, the Germans have one of the most surprising players filling the void with great skill.
In Group play, Germany sent a message to the world with their 4-0 thrashing of Australia. They looked genuine contenders for the final and cut open the Australian back line like they were Hertha Berlin. Mesut Ozil in particular looked impressive as he didn’t find the scoresheet but he had two assists and was the architect behind most of Germany’s moves. After that display, however, the team crashed 1-0 to Serbia after Miroslav Klose was received a red card (twice yellow carded) for a cynical foul in midfield. Germany had their chances, though, as Lucas Podolski had his spot kick saved. But the Germans put that behind them and picked up 3 points over a good Ghana side from an even better Mesut Ozil goal.
Coming in to the game, the Germans will be looking to capitalize on the shakiness of England’s back four, goal keeper and overall play. Despite the fact that the Brits started to look better against Slovenia, the Germans are more than able of tearing all their work to pieces. How? Glad you asked.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – The 25 year old midfielder has been a main stay in the German side as he was in the Bayern Munich side that forced their way into the Champions League Final. He’s a box to box midfielder who has a great eye for the smart pass and an even better one for the creative one that so many players wish they had. He can and has played all across the midfield, so don’t be surprised if he comes in on the wing or in the middle of the park. He’ll put in a show either way.
Mesut Ozil – Despite being 21 years old, Ozil plays with the composure of Andrea Pirlo and the creative edge of a player like Joe Cole. Those are BIG comparisons, I know, but Ozil is destined for greatness, and there is no doubt in the mind of most football pundits that he will be a force to be reckoned with. Be sure to watch him against England (#8) as he will battle with Gareth Barry and Ozil’s opposite number Frank Lampard. He has a great knack for finding the soft spots behind the midfield and in front of the defense, a space key for the kind of passes he makes to the strikers running behind the back line. If Carragher starts for England, Ozil will take him to the cleaners.
Analysis – Both teams are talented, no question. Both teams are well coached, I won’t disagree. But one team has to walk away the victor tomorrow morning. The key match up will be Mesut Ozil vs. Gareth Barry (the more defensive minded of the two central midfielders). Watch for it. Who will win it?
We think Ozil. His pace and youth are the going to be the decisive factors in his overtaking of Barry, who is a good player but has been exposed by speed and trickery before.
Prediction – England 0 – 2 Germany
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