Argentinav.
Mexico
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Shot Heard Round The World
The celebration of Donovan's game winning goal in San Diego, CA.
Here's the goal.
If you want to see more reactions coast-to-coast check out this great NY Times blog. (Particularly good are Manhattan's East Village and Long Beach, CA).
Even better reaction shots here. The Seattle one is awesome.
And for sentiments from around the world, Liz found this incredible list of comments on the NY Times game summary. Amazing to see the spontaneous outpouring of emotion and congratulations coming in from so many countries, led by the Brazilians. Fuck Yeah!
If you want to see more reactions coast-to-coast check out this great NY Times blog. (Particularly good are Manhattan's East Village and Long Beach, CA).
Even better reaction shots here. The Seattle one is awesome.
And for sentiments from around the world, Liz found this incredible list of comments on the NY Times game summary. Amazing to see the spontaneous outpouring of emotion and congratulations coming in from so many countries, led by the Brazilians. Fuck Yeah!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Stats Update
As the party charged with keeping and tracking the pool selections, and with two of the first three first-round games behind us, I thought this might be the right time for an introductory post. Team selections have been set in stone since each team's first game, but there is still much to be decided in the group stage. Many thrilling dramas will unfold here in the final four days of the tournament's opening round.
Group A: France, Uruguay, Mexico, South Africa
Finishing today, Group A hinges on numerous factors, but starts with the Uruguay/Mexico match. Selections were scattered between France, Mexico and Uruguay, with only three brave teams picking the host nation. Seven of the tournament's eight top-seeded teams were near unanimous picks; apparently the disarray and strife that marked the French camp before the tourney were a harbinger to many in this pool. Rightly so, it seems. France will be lucky to advance. The 17 teams that chose Mexico will hope for a positive finish today to secure 6 points. The South Africans have a big hill to climb, but are not yet eliminated. Hopes of an advancing African side are dwindling, especially after Cameroon became the inaugural squad to leave the tournament (see Group E, below).
Group B: Argentina, Greece, Nigeria, South Korea
As mentioned above, most of the top-seeded teams were unanimous selections. Other than the French, Brasil (missing one vote, if you can believe it) and Germany (missing two votes) were the only other teams not to gain the support of all pool participants. All teams were confident that the Argentina nine would push through. And though La Albiceleste was unable to finish many chances in their opening match against Nigeria, the team showed why they are favorites in a 4-1 slogging of South Korea. The South Koreans are still in the fight, though, and that will make many in the pool quite happy. Eleven teams picked the team to advance, but much still hinges on today's matches. The South Koreans will need to play well against a hungry Nigerian team that has yet to play consistent soccer. The Greeks will need to find a new level of play to defeat the Argentinians. And Nigeria, looking to sneak in, will need a definitive win against the Koreans to keep hopes alive. It could happen, but they are a longshot.
Group C: England, USA, Slovenia, Algeria
This is a fairly straightforward group. Everybody selected England. All but one selected the US. If the US win their match against Algeria, they advance. If England defeats Slovenia, they're through to the next round. Only problem is, this group has been anything but straightforward on the pitch. Perhaps the one team that selected Slovenia will find an unpopular 6 points.
Group D: Germany, Serbia, Australia, Ghana
Along with South Korea, the Ghanaians were the other popular lowest seed to gain support, with 10 teams picking the Black Stars. As previously mentioned, Germany garnered near unanimous support; remaining votes were mostly in favor of Serbia, with only two teams picking the Aussies. Though the team currently stands in first place, Ghana still has an uphill battle to advance. They will need to manage at least a draw against an angry German bunch to collect a critical fifth point. Still, the simple calculation is: if Germany and Serbia win, they will advance. Australia has big problems with a -4 goal differential heading into their final group match.
Group E: Netherlands, Cameroon, Denmark, Japan
The critical match in this group will take place on Thursday, when Japan face Denmark to determine the second advancing Group E team. The Dutch looked good, not great, in their opening matches, but certainly played well enough to clinch a spot in the knockout round. A keen decision was made by the seven teams that selected the Danes, but Olsen's Eleven will advance only with a win against Japan. A draw will put through the Samurai Blue, but no pool teams chose Japan. The Japanese provided an unexpected first-game win against Cameroon, the Indomitable Lions looking very domitable, never really presenting themselves at this tournament.
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia, New Zealand
Again, all pool participants showed unanimous support for the reigning world champs, Italy. But Paraguay have looked the strongest side in this group to-date, with a convincing win over Slovakia. Pool selections were split between Paraguay and Slovakia, with only two teams picking New Zealand. The Kiwis have shown spirit so far, with ties against Slovakia and Italy in its first two matches. Still, they will need to dig deep to defeat Paraguay in their final game. Italy will be the favorite over Slovakia, but certainly this group is up-for-grabs with much to be determined on Thursday.
Group G: Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast, North Korea
Brazil, one vote shy of unanimity, looked strong against the Ivory Coast, and put Les Elephants into a goal differential hole that will be difficult to surmount. Portugal, on the other hand, took a huge step towards the next stage with a 7-0 romping of the North Koreans. The pool votes were split between Portugal and the Ivory Coast: 14 votes went to the Portugese; 8 went to the Ivory Coast; one team picked both at the expense of Brazil. No team picked the North Koreans, with good reason it seems. It will take a miracle for the Ivory Coast, but clearly North Korea are ripe for picking. Who knows what continental courage la Cote will conjure?
Group H: Spain, Chile, Switzerland, Honduras
Some were quick to air concern about the broad, tall, defensive-minded Swiss, but only three were bold enough to select the squad for advancement. Those picks look smarter today, as the Swiss remain hopeful and very much alive. All teams selected the Spanish, and most picked Chile. Chile controls the standings today, but still have to match the Red Fury. If Spain and Switzerland both win, three teams will have 6 points and all will ride on goal differential. Much drama to come in this group.
Good luck to all!
Group A: France, Uruguay, Mexico, South Africa
Finishing today, Group A hinges on numerous factors, but starts with the Uruguay/Mexico match. Selections were scattered between France, Mexico and Uruguay, with only three brave teams picking the host nation. Seven of the tournament's eight top-seeded teams were near unanimous picks; apparently the disarray and strife that marked the French camp before the tourney were a harbinger to many in this pool. Rightly so, it seems. France will be lucky to advance. The 17 teams that chose Mexico will hope for a positive finish today to secure 6 points. The South Africans have a big hill to climb, but are not yet eliminated. Hopes of an advancing African side are dwindling, especially after Cameroon became the inaugural squad to leave the tournament (see Group E, below).
Group B: Argentina, Greece, Nigeria, South Korea
As mentioned above, most of the top-seeded teams were unanimous selections. Other than the French, Brasil (missing one vote, if you can believe it) and Germany (missing two votes) were the only other teams not to gain the support of all pool participants. All teams were confident that the Argentina nine would push through. And though La Albiceleste was unable to finish many chances in their opening match against Nigeria, the team showed why they are favorites in a 4-1 slogging of South Korea. The South Koreans are still in the fight, though, and that will make many in the pool quite happy. Eleven teams picked the team to advance, but much still hinges on today's matches. The South Koreans will need to play well against a hungry Nigerian team that has yet to play consistent soccer. The Greeks will need to find a new level of play to defeat the Argentinians. And Nigeria, looking to sneak in, will need a definitive win against the Koreans to keep hopes alive. It could happen, but they are a longshot.
Group C: England, USA, Slovenia, Algeria
This is a fairly straightforward group. Everybody selected England. All but one selected the US. If the US win their match against Algeria, they advance. If England defeats Slovenia, they're through to the next round. Only problem is, this group has been anything but straightforward on the pitch. Perhaps the one team that selected Slovenia will find an unpopular 6 points.
Group D: Germany, Serbia, Australia, Ghana
Along with South Korea, the Ghanaians were the other popular lowest seed to gain support, with 10 teams picking the Black Stars. As previously mentioned, Germany garnered near unanimous support; remaining votes were mostly in favor of Serbia, with only two teams picking the Aussies. Though the team currently stands in first place, Ghana still has an uphill battle to advance. They will need to manage at least a draw against an angry German bunch to collect a critical fifth point. Still, the simple calculation is: if Germany and Serbia win, they will advance. Australia has big problems with a -4 goal differential heading into their final group match.
Group E: Netherlands, Cameroon, Denmark, Japan
The critical match in this group will take place on Thursday, when Japan face Denmark to determine the second advancing Group E team. The Dutch looked good, not great, in their opening matches, but certainly played well enough to clinch a spot in the knockout round. A keen decision was made by the seven teams that selected the Danes, but Olsen's Eleven will advance only with a win against Japan. A draw will put through the Samurai Blue, but no pool teams chose Japan. The Japanese provided an unexpected first-game win against Cameroon, the Indomitable Lions looking very domitable, never really presenting themselves at this tournament.
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia, New Zealand
Again, all pool participants showed unanimous support for the reigning world champs, Italy. But Paraguay have looked the strongest side in this group to-date, with a convincing win over Slovakia. Pool selections were split between Paraguay and Slovakia, with only two teams picking New Zealand. The Kiwis have shown spirit so far, with ties against Slovakia and Italy in its first two matches. Still, they will need to dig deep to defeat Paraguay in their final game. Italy will be the favorite over Slovakia, but certainly this group is up-for-grabs with much to be determined on Thursday.
Group G: Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast, North Korea
Brazil, one vote shy of unanimity, looked strong against the Ivory Coast, and put Les Elephants into a goal differential hole that will be difficult to surmount. Portugal, on the other hand, took a huge step towards the next stage with a 7-0 romping of the North Koreans. The pool votes were split between Portugal and the Ivory Coast: 14 votes went to the Portugese; 8 went to the Ivory Coast; one team picked both at the expense of Brazil. No team picked the North Koreans, with good reason it seems. It will take a miracle for the Ivory Coast, but clearly North Korea are ripe for picking. Who knows what continental courage la Cote will conjure?
Group H: Spain, Chile, Switzerland, Honduras
Some were quick to air concern about the broad, tall, defensive-minded Swiss, but only three were bold enough to select the squad for advancement. Those picks look smarter today, as the Swiss remain hopeful and very much alive. All teams selected the Spanish, and most picked Chile. Chile controls the standings today, but still have to match the Red Fury. If Spain and Switzerland both win, three teams will have 6 points and all will ride on goal differential. Much drama to come in this group.
Good luck to all!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Group Stage Results: Day 11
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal score every which way against North Korea.Portugal 7-0 North Korea
Ruh-roh. It pours down rain and goals as North Korea is exposed and trounced by a Portugal side that's obviously finding it's rhythm. Ronaldo emerges as playmaker and then -- finally -- goal scorer as Portugal puts on a display of deft one touch footy. North Korea's holds them to a single goal at half but makes a key mistake by opening up from the defensive stance that kept them in the Brazil game and thus become the second side eliminated from the tournament.
Chile 1-0 Switzerland
Chile continue their all-out attack and finally unlock the Swiss defense, but not before les Suisse set the record for most consecutive minutes without conceding a goal at the World Cup, going back to 2006. Another poor refereeing performance sees way too many yellow cards and a red card for Swiss defender Valon Behrami on a nothing foul and embarrassing bit of play acting by la Roja's Arturo Vidal. Behrami becomes the first Swiss player ever sent off at a WC.
Spain 2-0 Honduras
Spain look much better in a solid win over Honduras. David Villa scores two but misses a penalty and gets away with slapping a Honduran in the face. Torres looks rusty in his comeback from injury and La Furia Roja may rue the many many chances they didn't finish if Group H comes down to goal differential.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Coulibaly's Folly
Man of the Hour: Referee Koman CoulibalyIn the aftermath we've learned that this is not the first tournament-deciding head-scratcher of a call Coulibaly has made... in fact his past is quite checkered. We've also seen an utter lack of transparency in FIFA's governing rules and decision making. The notion that the referee does not have to state what the foul is or who it was called on seems bizarre to an American public used to accountability in their sports leagues. The recent emotional apology from MLB umpire Jim Joyce for his blown call that spoiled a perfect game for Tiger's pitcher Armando Galarraga puts Coulibaly and FIFA's silence in even starker contrast.
Of course instant replay is the easiest and most accurate way to keep these errors from deciding results, but FIFA's head Sepp Blatter is notoriously anti-technology. While FIFA had originally said that Coulibaly's performance could only be judged at the end of the WC, under pressure from worldwide scrutiny, there appears to be an expedited review under way. Let's hope for the sake of fair play that this was Koman Coulibaly's last match officiating in South Africa.
On a side note, most American proponent's of the sport were doubly frustrated by the result thinking that an early US exit would hurt the profile of soccer in this country. However, in an ironic twist of events, the gaffe seems to have galvanized American interest and support for the Yanks. Disapproval of the call expressed by tennis stars Andy Roddick and Serena Williams put a public face on American outrage. No doubt even more Americans will tune in for USA's final and decisive match against Algeria. Americans love a good underdog story and scrappy Team USA fits the role perfectly. Hopefully they'll take the fire they displayed after the Slovenian match onto the pitch on Wednesday and into the Round of 16.
Group Stage Results: Day 10
The All White's Shane Smeltz kicks off the celebrations for Kiwis worldwide with his goal against Italy.Slovakia 0-2 Paraguay
Quite simply, the better side wins as Paraguay, though not breath-taking, comprehensively defeats Slovakia. Slovakia's first and only shot on goal came in injury time... enough said. Paraguay now look to take first place in the group.
Italy 1-1 New Zealand
The All Whites serve up the best result in New Zealand footballing history with a 1-1 draw against the defending world champs. The Kiwis goal may have been a little offside, but Italy's goal was once again the result of a highly questionable penalty kick from an Italian dive in the box. Apparently the Azzuri are picking up where they left off in WC2006... theatrics in the penalty area will be a major part of their goal scoring strategy. Congrats to New Zealand for their hard fought historic win!
Brazil 3-1 Ivory Coast
While the Ivorians start well, they concede the first goal to Luis Fabiano and Brazil looks themselves as they cruise to a 3-0 lead. Didier Drogba scores a consolation goal, but the end of the match is marred by fighting and then a second yellow card for Kaka which will see him miss the final match against Portugal. Replays clearly show the Ivory Coast's Keita running into Kaka's elbow and then falling to the ground holding his face... a shameful dive broadcast worldwide. How players are comfortable presenting this negative view of themselves on the world stage I'll never know.
Group Stage Results: Day 9
Cameroon's Vincent Aboubakar on right shows the despair of his nation as the Indomitable Lions are the first side eliminated in the WC.Netherlands 1-0 Japan
Again the Dutch fail to put on a show, yet are efficient in their 1-0 defeat of Japan. Wesley Sneijder's forceful strike is one of the very few goals scored from distance in the tournament. The Dutch become the first side to advance to the Round of 16.
Ghana 1-1 Australia
After a bright start, Australia once again are forced to play the majority of the match a man down as Harry Kewell is sent off for a hand ball on the goal line. While there certainly was no intent on Kewell's part, the shot did hit him in the shoulder. Ghana fail to capitilize on the man advantage and have to settle for a draw which keeps all sides in the group alive.
Cameroon 1-2 Denmark
In a match that might be noted for it's relatively poor defensive play, the Danes knock Cameroon out of the tournament. Lots of chances for both sides mean an exciting match to watch, but Denmark will certainly need to play better if they're to advance. Disappointment again for Africa as one of the continent's stronger sides becomes the first casualty of the World Cup.
Group Stage Results: Day 8
Maurice Edu's game winning goal is disallowed in one of the many terrible refereeing decisions on Day 8.Germany 1-0 Serbia
The day of shocking officiating begins in the first half of the first game when Spanish ref Alberto Undiano Mallenco hands out a flurry of undeserved yellow cards. German striker Miroslav Klose is sent off with his second yellow on a minor foul, forcing Germany to play a man down for almost 60 minutes. The Serbians take advantage with a goal a minute later. The Germans show that they are still the better side throughout, but ultimately fail to get a result when Lukas Podolski misses the penalty resulting from a hand ball in the box.
Slovenia 2-2 USA
USA starts out terribly once again, allowing the opposing strikers way too much room to maneuver, and go down by two goals at the half. The Yanks come out firing in the second half with Landon Donovan's fantastic point blank strike into the goalie's face. Michael Bradley ties it with a beautiful finish off an Altidore header pass from a set piece. What follows is the most contoversial foul of the tournament. Maurice Edu scores a perfect goal on a Donovan set piece for the game winner... only it's disallowed. The Amercans try to get an explanation from Malian ref Koman Coulibaly but he ignores them. The US fight back and are in control over their own destiny -- a win over Algeria puts them through. Yet they can't help but feel robbed of two points they richly deserved.
England 0-0 Algeria
Algeria surprises and England disappoints as the North Africans battle England to a 0-0 draw. England looks hesitant and indecisive in their play, as if the pressure of the English media is affecting their mentality. No one wants to make a mistake, to become the next Rob Green, fodder for the tabloids front pages. The Three Lions are booed by their fans as they leave the field. Wayne Rooney responds with sarcastic and critical comments to the camera as he departs. The English camp is in turmoil as the country openly questions the heart of their players.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Group Stage Results: Day 7
It was Gonzalo Higuain's day as he nets three against South Korea. Argentina 4-1 South Korea
The Albicelestes continue to impress with a hat-trick from Higuain and more sparkling play from Lio Messi who had a role in every goal (even the own goal). SoKo needs a big win over Nigeria to advance.
Greece 2-1 Nigeria
Forced to play most of the match with 10 men due to a silly red card for violent conduct, the Super Eagles unfortunately show the lack of composure they're known to exhibit. Nigerian goalkeeper Enyeama continues his superhuman saves (big clubs take notice) but slips up when it counts and gives up the rebound for the Greek winner. Greeks save some face after their stinker against SoKo.
France 0-2 Mexico
El Tri puts on a brilliant show as they push the embattled French to the brink of elimination.
So much could be said about the disarray of the French camp -- the almost universal public disregard for head coach Raymond Domenech, the factions and infighting amongst the players, the legal woes of star Frank Ribery. Suffice it to say that the French entered and will most likely exit as the most dysfunctional side at the World Cup. It's a shame because that they have a proud history in the tournament. On the positive side, Mexico and Uruguay's match could be a real cracker, that is if both sides come out fighting for first place instead of in a gentleman's agreement for a draw which would put them both through.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Group Stage Results: Day 6
Pain in Spain as les Suisse score a stunner.Honduras 0-1 Chile
Chile dazzle by opening their tournament with the flat-out attacking panache everyone had anticipated. Honduras is lucky to escape with only one goal conceded.
Spain 0-1 Switzerland
Upset of the tournament so far. Group H gets turned on its head with the ultra-organized Swiss defense shutting out the potent Spanish attack. Spain dominates possession (74-26) and shots (25-9) yet gives up the game winner in clumsy defense of a long ball clearance from the Swiss goal keeper. Kudos to the defense of les Suisse for maintaining their focus for all 90 minutes.
South Africa 0-3 Uruguay
Uruguay is much more positive in their play after their drudgery against France. Diego Forlan scores a brace and a controversial red card sends off the South African keeper with 14 minutes remaining. Sadness in South Africa as Bafana Bafana now look to become the first host country not to advance past the group stage.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
The European Champs
Spain come flying into the World Cup as the most heralded side in Europe having taken the European title in style in Euro 2008. If you don't believe the hype take a look at the numbers...
Since 2007 they are 44-1-3... a run which included a world record breaking 35 game unbeaten streak (which the US snapped in last year's Confederations Cup), and a perfect 10 wins in their World Cup qualifiers. They won their last WC warm-up match against Poland 6-0 with six different goal scorers.
Why are they so damn good? Of their 23 man roster, 5 play at Real Madrid and 8 play at FC Barcelona. This means they've played together... a lot. They have a team chemistry that no other national side can match. And this cohesiveness is evident in their style of play. They are the current mantle holders of the all-out-attacking, beautiful one-touch passing game widely regarded as the most attractive form of the sport.
All this said, La Furia Roja have never won a World Cup and up until recently were seen as perennial underachievers. If they could win it this year it would cap off what has been undoubtedly the most storied era of Spanish football and place their names in the debate of best national sides of all time.
Since 2007 they are 44-1-3... a run which included a world record breaking 35 game unbeaten streak (which the US snapped in last year's Confederations Cup), and a perfect 10 wins in their World Cup qualifiers. They won their last WC warm-up match against Poland 6-0 with six different goal scorers.
Why are they so damn good? Of their 23 man roster, 5 play at Real Madrid and 8 play at FC Barcelona. This means they've played together... a lot. They have a team chemistry that no other national side can match. And this cohesiveness is evident in their style of play. They are the current mantle holders of the all-out-attacking, beautiful one-touch passing game widely regarded as the most attractive form of the sport.
All this said, La Furia Roja have never won a World Cup and up until recently were seen as perennial underachievers. If they could win it this year it would cap off what has been undoubtedly the most storied era of Spanish football and place their names in the debate of best national sides of all time.
Group Stage Results: Day 5
Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo add superstar power to this Group G showdown.New Zealand 1-1 Slovakia
Slovaks get away with a slightly offside goal, but the All Whites pip a point with an equalizer at the death.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Portugal
Testy stalemate with Les Elephantes looking slightly more likely to score. Ronaldo flops and dives to no avail. Drogba, in a plastic arm cast, comes on late in the game to a rousing ovation.
Brazil 2-1 North Korea
The mystery boys from NoKo held the Selecao scoreless for a half. Maicon breaks through with a nifty goal from no angle. Debate rages as to whether or not it was intentional. I say yes. The Koreans make it interesting with a late goal and show they may not be the pushovers everyone was expecting.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Portugal
Testy stalemate with Les Elephantes looking slightly more likely to score. Ronaldo flops and dives to no avail. Drogba, in a plastic arm cast, comes on late in the game to a rousing ovation.
Brazil 2-1 North Korea
The mystery boys from NoKo held the Selecao scoreless for a half. Maicon breaks through with a nifty goal from no angle. Debate rages as to whether or not it was intentional. I say yes. The Koreans make it interesting with a late goal and show they may not be the pushovers everyone was expecting.
Enter the Favorites
Much has been made of the fact that Dunga's Brazil is a more defensive edition than the entertaining sides we've seen in years past. With the tournament's predictably cautious start to the opening round of matches, it would be nice if the Samba Boys could introduce a dash of their famous flair... and goals. When Germany is the most attractive side in your tournament to date you know there's room for some artistic license. Vamos ao Brasil!Monday, June 14, 2010
Group Stage Results: Day 4
Oops. Denmark opens the scoring when defender Poulsen's errant header bounces off teammate Agger's back.Netherlands 2-0 Denmark
46' Daniel Agger (own goal)
85' Dirk Kuyt
With Arjen Robben out with an injury, it takes a fluke own goal from Denmark to get the vaunted Dutch attack on the score sheet. Denmark looks pedestrian. Super-sub Elijero Elia adds pace and width to the Oranje front line as they put it away with five minutes remaining.
Japan 1-0 Cameroon
39' Keisuke Honda
Japan pulls off the first real surprise of the tournament... not just for their victory but for their relatively dominant performance. Cameroon looks uncomfortable with their tactics and seems to lack desire through the first and most of the second half. A big disappointment for those hoping for African success.
Italy 1-1 Paraguay
------------------------- 39' Antolin Alcra
63' Daniele De Rossi
Paraguay impress with their competent football against the defending champs. The Azzuri go down a goal and must fight back in the second half to avoid the upset. Another tournament goal keeping error gives Italia the equalizer. All of Italy gripe about the lack of creative attack, but the Italians still look likely to advance.
Holland: The Greatest Side to Never Win it
Cruyff reinvents football with the Dutch in 1974.Johann Cruyff's 1970's Clockwork Orange gave the world Total Football - the mesmerizing, flowing possession game of precision passing where players interchange positions freely. The Dutch don't just want to win, they want to win in style. As Cruyff himself has said this 'kind of arrogance' has been their Achilles heel both on and off the field. Their insistence on finesse has meant they've lacked that final bit of grit necessary to bury more physical opposition. Equally they've typically had infighting as their world class talent fail to subsume their individual egos for the good of the national side as a whole. Despite these hurdles their game is easy on the eye and they have some of the best fans in the world. Could this be the historic year the Oranje put it all together and finally win the World Cup?
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