www.Go To The Mountain - Musings of a Potential Guru

The Biggest winner of this World Cup is the host South Africa. Off the pitch they were well organised, no major incidents and security was good. The stadiums were all beautiful and the sight of ex President Nelson Mandela on the buggy lent meaning to the event. Most surprisingly, there were no acts of hooliganism or fighting in the terraces meaning that people are more well behaved or the security forces not just in S.A. but in their home countries have done a terrific job. Bravo! Everybody wants to rule the world. Here's Tears For Fears: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOA4ixV-3jU The Final When Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk said they will play ugly to win, I thought he meant to play defensive. I thought I understood him as they have the world's best players in 1974 and lost to the then West Germany after taking an early lead. Then a slightly lesser team lost to Argentina in 1978. So learning from these lessons you want to be sure to win even if ugly. The irony w...

Today is the last day of my week long medical leave. They took out the tooth but the wisdom was left intact. There is enough wackiness left in me. I have warned you before that if you knew your soccer and bet, you will lose. Those who know less may win but ultimately all punters will lose whatever you are gambling in. That's why I don't gamble. Don't agree? Want to bet? With stitches in the gums, you can't eat too much but you keep thinking of eating even the half balls that a few friends are trying to entice you with but I refuse to bite. The problem with the World Cup at this stage now is that some teams no matter what the reputation have been sent packing. We are at the end stage and it will be over very soon and suddenly you will feel a void in the dead of night not knowing what to do anymore and with an extra $70 in your hands saved from cable TV's money counting machines. Don't worry EPL soccer is gonna be back soon early August. Quarter-Finals ...

U ruguay v S. Korea (2-1) I predicted a 3-2 win for Uruguay. Uruguay has been doing very well, above expectations and blessed with an easier route they could find themselves in the rarefied air of the semi-finals. The South Koreans should feel very proud of themselves and Asia for going so far and playing a good game against Uruguay. Throughout they showed no fear and England can take a leaf here. Uruguay showed their all-round strength and ability and now face a physical Ghanaian side - Africa's last hope for glory. Whoever ace this one will meet Brazil or Holland. With a small population of 3.5 million, all small countries and small teams can learn from Uruguay. USA v Ghana (1-2) I have predicted the USA to win 2-1 after getting stretched till the end. The Americans were unfortunate not to be rewarded for their gallant efforts. They had numerous chances but did not convert and didn't play as well as in their previous games. Giving away an early goal to Ghana ...

The moment of truth has arrived - the World Cup last 16. So far this World Cup has been lacking great goals, free kicks and individuals. I'll give you some excitement here. Let me share with you Ricky Martin's Cup of Life from the 1998 World Cup: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7uvm_if3VE Then enjoy Colombia's beautiful belly dancer Shakira's Waka Waka 2010 World Cup Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tkjuSoxYyE First Round From Group A, Uruguay marched on stylishly with Mexico edging out host nation South Africa by goal difference therefore, being the first-ever host nation never to have qualified from the first round and in the process giving all future hosts relief who would be second. The French played like their escargot friends with foie gras (like snails with fatty liver) and were deservedly booted out. Actually I love French players.  Argentina so poor during qualification and springing to life now has been the most entertaining teams ...

It has not been a great World Cup so far. The consolation is that Asian teams and the weaker teams are getting better. The Latins continue to play with flair and with the exception of Dear Leader's men caving in to the Portuguese which makes me suspect that they are seeking asylum, the games have largely been uninspired with only a few good games. Well, at least where teams have to go in to win, it opens up a whole new dimension by now with more to come in the knock out stage. Mexico 0 Uruguay 1 Both teams play lively soccer and therefore enjoyable to watch. The Mexicans can run rings around their opponents but need greater finishing. Meantime, Uruguay has been growing in confidence and will give anyone a good game. Topping the group will see them meeting South Korea on Saturday. They should be favourites to reach the Quarter-finals. France 1 South Africa 2 These are the to teams I picked to go through but was completely off the mark. I picked them because France...