World Cup 2010 - The Final Countdown!
The 1970 World Cup was special, Pele was special and in the 1982 World Cup, Brazil was special but they got knocked out by Italy. Barcelona was great and should be crowned European Champions 2010 but alas it was not to be, it went to Inter Milan because Jose Mourinho is special. What will the 2010 World Cup throw up? Someone, some team that is special? I hope it will be a great World Cup fill with pulsating matches, a few great teams and a few very special players.
The World Cup Is Special
Why is the World Cup special? I know that some of us would argue that it is not the best soccer out there and League soccer where the clubs pay big bucks dish out higher quality especially in the Champions League. For a start the World Cup is not meant to be the pinnacle of soccer skills and artistry. The unique thrill of the World Cup is in its diversity, culture, style and where money can't buy you the best players. You will find a bit of the romance of the F.A. Cup where minnows stand against giants. David v Goliath. In some countries you have a top defender playing for Manchester United in the same team as a virtually unknown striker. It is not a league where the best 32 teams qualify.
Qualification was through a zonal system and there will be teams and players that really are far from the best in the world but it is no less thrilling or entertaining to watch them pit their skills against one another.In fact, it adds to the fascination. Imagine a game between North and South Korea and the fireworks which will make a Manchester derby a tame affair. The World Cup is about history, drama, some crap football, hilarious moments and even great soccer. No one can buy the title by buying better players and coaches can't name a squad and play them on rotation and always have to field only the best XI because you never know when you can get knock out. What do you know and when was the last time you watch North Korea? There you have it - drama, innocence, mystery, celebrations. It is a cacophony of sound, an extravaganza, a spectacle. Let the celebrations begin...
Qualification was through a zonal system and there will be teams and players that really are far from the best in the world but it is no less thrilling or entertaining to watch them pit their skills against one another.In fact, it adds to the fascination. Imagine a game between North and South Korea and the fireworks which will make a Manchester derby a tame affair. The World Cup is about history, drama, some crap football, hilarious moments and even great soccer. No one can buy the title by buying better players and coaches can't name a squad and play them on rotation and always have to field only the best XI because you never know when you can get knock out. What do you know and when was the last time you watch North Korea? There you have it - drama, innocence, mystery, celebrations. It is a cacophony of sound, an extravaganza, a spectacle. Let the celebrations begin...
Injuries
Some players were left out because they were injured most part of the season, some could go almost an entire season without injury only to be ruled out in the last few games of the season. Worse, there were those who got injured during friendlies just prior to the World Cup like Didier Drogba who broke his arm and Dutchman Arjen Robben who seemed to have pulled a tendon when he tried a cross-legged back heel, something I do all the time without trouble. The worst was with Rio Ferdinand who got injured during training and at his age is unlikely to feature in another World Cup.
Sometimes, we do not appreciate people when they are around until they are gone do we realise what we are missing. Ferdinand can sometimes have lapses of concentration but few defenders can hold, distribute and play the ball around from defence. You can only hope for a blessing in disguise with Steven Gerrard taking over the captaincy. Gerrard at his best is one of the world's top players and most complete midfielder. Anyone who saw how he led Liverpool when 0-3 down to AC Milan to level at 3-3 creating one and scoring the other to go on to win in penalties will agree.
Sometimes, we do not appreciate people when they are around until they are gone do we realise what we are missing. Ferdinand can sometimes have lapses of concentration but few defenders can hold, distribute and play the ball around from defence. You can only hope for a blessing in disguise with Steven Gerrard taking over the captaincy. Gerrard at his best is one of the world's top players and most complete midfielder. Anyone who saw how he led Liverpool when 0-3 down to AC Milan to level at 3-3 creating one and scoring the other to go on to win in penalties will agree.
Friendlies
I have given you details on the teams, individual players, style, strengths and weaknesses, the favourites, the also-rans, etc. and also the results of all the friendlies. This is World Cup week with the highly anticipated showdown in the opener between host South Africa and Mexico. South Africa has been improving day by day and where one time they look likely to be the first host country not to go on to the second round, they have grew in confidence resting with their 1-0 win over Denmark. Brazil had a simple game strolling to a 3-0 win over Zimbabwe while Spain dominated but could only registered a 1-0 win over South Korea but followed up with a 6-0 thumping of Poland.
France looked really lost and forlorn and I really think that the players didn't quite like to play for this coach. They laboured and won 2-1 against Costa Rica, held 1-1 by Tunisia and lost to a half-strength China 0-1. I saw the tall, strong, quick and fit Chinese players played a good game and I think that with the right culture, Chinese soccer will be great in future. It is unavoidable with their talent pool they will find a Ronaldo, a Rooney and Messi someday and also looking forward to the day China will host the World Cup so that we can catch it in Asian time. Au Revoir France! Henry's handball will soon be forgiven.
Meanwhile, Italy having lost 1-2 to Mexico were held 1-1 by Switzerland. The defending champions aged players may find a hard time to retain their trophy. The last time we have a team registered for a tournament and we called ourselves "Bazookas". Late in the second half after being a few goals down, the referee asked one of us: "Eh, your team is called Bazookas ah?" So I suggested to the team manager to change our name for the next season by calling ourselves "Defending Champions" so that when our new name were announced, our opponents' legs will go soft. Four years is a long time and I think it'll be Arrivederci! You don't put new wine in old wine skins.
Well, Germany are Germany. Even their worst team do not fare too badly so they may yet surprise but it is hard for this team to go to the wire. However, among these three, I think Germany could go the furthest.
If Germany are Germany then friendlies are friendlies. The World Cup is about peaking at the right time. Some children have a flying start in primary school and then fade away while others are blur like "sotong" in primary school and then went on to ace it at a later stage. It is no use to start the campaign in a blaze of glory and then end with a whimper. Nothing is ever won on paper.
Dark Horses
Prior to all the friendlies, I have mentioned the two teams that could surprise and go all the way to lift the trophy and after the friendlies, I think they have increased their own confidence and chances. Argentina and Holland. When you saw how the rampant Dutch dispatched the Hungarians 6-1 you will understand what they are truly capable of. The good thing is that they are lacking stars and prima donnas this time. The Netherlands often implode when players fought with one another internally. The Oranje will be a team to watch and could go all the way. Watch them.
Maradona always thought he was God's gift or thought he is God or his hand was of God. On the former and with his skills yes but no more. He is currently among the worst coaches at the World Cup perhaps together with France's manager. Argentina's strength is in their forward line. They could ace it if they play correctly as they have the players to destroy others. "If".
England
This is for die-hard England fans. England's strength is in their typical bull-dog spirit and their game based on power, strength and set-pieces. Fabio Capello is a first rate manager who knows exactly what to do and does not panic. Their greatest weakness which can be glaring is their inability to keep and hold the ball meaning - possession. The other problem is the disparity in quality between first team and the bench. You need strength in depth.The English also play at one pace which is too predictable. They need to play with tempo but they lack a playmaker to control, hasten or quicken the pace of play. You need to train these qualities from young. Sir Alf Ramsey came up with something new which turned up great in 1966 because he didn't have wingers so he adopted and they adapted to a 4-3-3 which made England to be known as the "Wingless Wonders" as opponents like Spain back then didn't what to do or how to cope when their fullbacks had no one to mark or play against.
This time for England to do well, they must unleash their wingers who will hopefully play to form. Brazil and Spain are very good at that and have depth in their squad. When they are in possession, their opponents cannot harm them but all these theories are hullabaloo when Jose Mourinho triumphed for Inter against Barcelona when they had only 35-40% possession. How do you explain that? The ball is round? Yes indeed for this new ball called the Jubalani was claimed to be the roundest yet. Maybe it will take on a life of its own and score a few wicked goals. Then the commentator would go: "That is a swerving cross and Jubalani, yes GOAL!!!!"
This time for England to do well, they must unleash their wingers who will hopefully play to form. Brazil and Spain are very good at that and have depth in their squad. When they are in possession, their opponents cannot harm them but all these theories are hullabaloo when Jose Mourinho triumphed for Inter against Barcelona when they had only 35-40% possession. How do you explain that? The ball is round? Yes indeed for this new ball called the Jubalani was claimed to be the roundest yet. Maybe it will take on a life of its own and score a few wicked goals. Then the commentator would go: "That is a swerving cross and Jubalani, yes GOAL!!!!"
This is the World Cup not the domestic league so you can't start too slow and play catch up later. A winning team or which team that possess these qualities the most will win the cup - (i) strength in depth - qualities on the bench should not be a huge disparity. It spells Spain - Alonso and/or Fabregas, Xavi and/or Iniesta, Torres and/or Villa, also Silva. Even Febregas is not guaranteed a slot and a good player like Arteta could not get in. (ii) possession - a winning team must be confident with or without the ball (movement) and spray passes with ease. It spells Spain again as their circulation of the ball can be spectacular. (iii) the final third - every game we play is about the finishing. In soccer, the final third is what a lot of teams even good ones can fail. It is about delivering that final pass, that touch that will make a difference. A great team is one that have that killer pass in this zone which when done correctly is as good as a penalty awarded.
Well, get ready to rock! A one month soccer feast where the world population will be reduced or stay stagnant in nine months' time and people will be walking around like zombies and look like vampires.
So have you signed up for the TV package? I know how angry you are. Maybe you are still fighting to justify why you should or shouldn't. This is ridiculous over-charging us peasants but, but, but it is only once in four years so it is okay. It is okay it is just for the price of one cup of coffee per match but I don't pay upfront for 64 cups of coffee. Oops! I have missed the dateline and in June I have to pay $20 more. Why did they increased the coffee price again? Nevermind, this is Starbucks. No, er I mean Starhub.
If you have watched Alfred Hitchcock's movie, Psycho you will know exactly how the above scenario pan out. The two personalities of Norman Bates arguing. Good luck!
World's Best XI
Who do you think is currently the World's Best XI? Would it be the same after the World Cup? Here is my take:
Goalkeeper - Julio Cesar (Brazil). Starred for Inter Milan in Serie A and UEFA.
Defence - Rightback - Maicon (Brazil). An exciting and skilful attacking fullback who was part of Inter's highly successful campaign. Leftback - Ashley Cole (England). Few fullbacks has the balance between defence and attack dealing in both with equal aplomb. Centre-back - Lucio (Brazil) had a highly successful season with Inter. The type of dfender who depends on impeccable timing for his tackles of interception.
Midfield - Lionel Messi (Argentina) - the first name to put on. Xavi (Spain) the engine of Barcelona and Spain. Cristiano Ronald0 (Portugal) despite his petulance, an exciting player. How could I not put in the name Kaka (Brazil) probably Brazil's best player in this campaign.
Strikers - Wayne Rooney (England) - a potential current or future great, explosive, fearless and yet subtle. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) - Ditto.
Get your coffee ready and have a wonderful World Cup month!
Warning: One last thing before I go. I am a veteran of watching soccer on TV. When we were younger, we can go on nights with a lack of sleep without much ado but these days when catching late night soccer we need to adopt some strategy. Some folks keep busy till the 2-3 am games and go to sleep after the game ends. Others go to bed early and wake up just in time to watch it. Whichever way you try to do it, the spirit may be willing but the flesh is not. You will start off wide-eyed and ready sitting upright and after awhile the temptation will come for you to adjust your angle to one where you could lie down at a more comfortable position. Resisist it all the way! The moment you do that you will later awake with the TV watching you! The price of coffee you have to pay per game will be more than those at Starbucks.
This is the final countdown.
I hope I have prepared you well for this 2010 World Cup! Enjoy!
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