What's the similiratieis of Le Blues and Titanic?

French Football Federation (FFF) president Jean-Pierre Escalettes has resigned over the national team’s disappointing campaign at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

FIFA said that any interference of government to the FFF, might put France in real consequences, "If France were suspended, the country would be banned from international tournaments and French clubs could not take part in European competitions. "


But French government wants to question Raymond Domenech, and does not see that as an interefernce to the game. Also, Nicolas Sarkozy said in a statement last week that the government wants to review how the country’s sports federations are managed.

"There is no interference,” Luc Chatel, the government’s spokesman, said at a press conference. “It is the role of the state to think through, with the federation, a problem that goes beyond simple sport. The French team represents the country, not just the federation.”

FIFA might not agree totally.

Honestly, I don't think that FIFA will put FFF on hold and suspend the national team and the clubs from the competitions. But, this put the whole French football into a big real crisis.

France vs. Italy

I think this was a recent game Italy x France,
what a lousy two teams, both at the bottom of their groups? j.k. lol

Worst two coaches in 2010 WC

Confidentaly we can say that Fabio Capello and Raymond Domenech are the worst two coaches in this mondial. Here is something funny I found about those two coaches,

First, Fabio Capello, was part of 1974 great Italian team. They managed to beat Haiti 3-1, tie with Argentina 1-1 and lose to Poland 1-2, and went out at group stages. Here is Capello as a player, in two different situations,


loool i liked the innocent look at Capello face, kinda reminds us of his same look as a coach. What's more interesting, that the referee kinda believed him

but, this does not mean he was not a good player. Here he is scoring a nice goal in the same Mondial


Now to my favourite character, Raymond Domenech. This is how they arrived to Paris


it is interesting that the Domenech was popular since about two years. It is something to raise many questions mark, not on Domenech, but on the French soccer federation.

But, this is not what I found interesting. Here is the interesting part,

Raymond Domenech was a good defender at the club level, not so much for the national team. He only played 8 games for France. But, he played for Lyon, Strasbourg, PSG, and Bordeaux.

So, how did he play?

I bought a book few months back called Bad Boys of Football, talking about worst behaviors in history of the game. Some were famous for good players in general, like Maradona hand or Zidane headbutt. But majory were really bad stories.

The book talked about Raymond and how he was such a very tough defender, who didn't play for the joy of the game, but as a defender he had a tough task to perform, in any possible way. That is the professional football, quoting him "when I was a player, if we'd been 3-0 down with two minutes left, and someone needed to be chopped in half, I would have done it"

The final say about Brazil

I read the following in the zonal marking site about Brazil x Chile game. I found it very good opinion and summarizes a lot of discussion about Brazilian ability to win the World Cup:

Brazil look more impressive with every game. Then again, at this stage four years ago they were looking fine, and then they crashed out with a poor display against France in the quarter-final, so the superlatives should wait. But they start Friday’s game against Holland as favourites, and should also be considered favourites to win the competition.

I agree, except with one thing. In 2006, they didn't look as good when they beat Ghana. They were not very convincing to me, with many gaps and not a lot of chances. And most important, they lacked so much passion and fighting motivation in 2006. This year, the psychological part is much better.

Finally, Robinho is here!

Finally, Robinho started to put his marks on this World Cup. Today, not only he scored a wonderful goal, but also he deserved the award for player of the game.

For a reason or another Robinho always star against Chile. I don't know how many goals I saw for Robinho vs. Chile, and in all possible ways. This is one of many games that Brazil crashed Chile and Robinho did a wonderful job, it was in 2007 and worth watching.

A goal to applause to

Yesterday I was watching a program in which it says FIFA has selected best top 10 goals so far in this world cup.
David Villa goal vs. Honduras was the first, and this is the fifth, second was Maicon goal vs. North Korea.

In my opinion, this goal is the best for Spain so far. I still like Maicon goal as the best one though.
This is a wonderful goal, one touch, clear reading of the keeper movement, his weak foot, very difficult time of the game, long shot, first real chance for Spain.

A goal to enjoy

WC Predictions

• 16 teams qualified to the second round. In my first predictions, I got 14 of them right. I only got Italy and Japan wrong. Even with that, I always said Italy won't go very far. I expected them to exit at second stage.
• Before the start of this Mondial, I predicted South Africa to be the first ever World Cup host to exit from first round.
• I predicted all over that England won't make it big.
• Yesterday games, I told my friends, Brazil might tie Portugal, Spain should beat Chile with a small margin, and Switzerland might tie with Honduras.

Now, let me predict the rest of this World Cup:

• Uruguay x South Korea: Uruguay to win
• USA x Ghana: Ghana will win
• Germany x England: Germany
• Argentina x Mexico: Argentina
• Netherlands x Slovakia: Netherlands
• Brazil x Chile: Brazil
• Paraguay x Japan: Paraguay
• Spain x Portugal: Spain

Quarter Final:

• Netherlands x Brazil: Brazil
• Uruguay x Ghana: this is the most difficult for me to predict. I think it will be very tight game. Ghana better with gaps in defence. Uruguay great defence and lithal counter attacks. Okay, I will put Ghana.
• Germany x Argentina: This is another difficult one for me to predict, I think Argentina might have the final word.
• Paraguay x Spain: Spain

Semi Final:

• Brazil x Ghana (or Uruguay): Brazil to go the final
• Argentina x Spain: This is I cannot predict. Argentina is the most difficult to predict. You never know what Maradona is hiding.

So, I will put my prediction that Brazil in the final, vs. Spain or Argentina.
Who will win the final? No predictions.

Continent or 21st century of football???

No doubt that this world cup has brought so many surprises and new rules to the game. Dunga said that the globalization has impacted the game a lot, and made the differences too narrow. Let's see who qualified to the 16th round, and what did it mean to the most popular game in the world:

Europe - the big decline:
13 European teams played in this World Cup, only 6 made it to the second round, 7 were out. What is worse, that in the second round, all European teams will play against each other. This means only 3 will be in the quarter final.

In 2006, there were 10 teams in the second round, 4 made it to the semi-final.
In 2002, there were 9 teams in the second round, and 2 made it to the semi-final.

I think the geography can be blamed for part of the story. Whenever the WC is played outside Europe, South American teams get advantage. Yet, this year it is more than that. Not only 7 didn't pass the group stages, but 3 of them were in the bottom of their groups.

South Ameria - the big rise:
We can say exactly the opposite about South America. 5 out of 5 qualified, a 100% perfect record. Something that we never remembering that it happened before, at least since 1990 or 1978 WCs when all SA teams qualified.

Asia better than Africa:

There were always this race between Asia and Africa in the WCs. This could be the best year for Asian teams, considering that they are playing away from home. Japan didn't only qualify, but with a style beating Denmark with 3 beautiful goals. New Zealand which is always considered a weak team, didn't lose a single game. Australia beat Serbia. Only North Korea made it to the bottom of its group.

I was not optimistic for any of the African teams except Ghana and Ivory Coast. Both did great job, one was unlucky to be in the most difficult group. Others were very unconvincing, even in the last two African Cups. Well, Egypt, the best African team today is missing, but this is because of the inefficient African WCQ system.

This is the most disappointing year for Africa. Yet, Ghana has a good chance to go to the Semi-Final. I predict that they can  pass the USA, and they will face Uruguay, and this is a very tough team.

So, what happened? Is it just the fact that they are playing in a different continent? or that the world of football is changing?
I remember in Champion League 2004, when Porto faced Monaco with so many surprises especially La Coruna beating Milano 4-0 and Monaco beating Real Madrid 3-1, we said that the world of football changed forever.

Well, year after year, it got back to the previous order, and even more, the CL cup is only for the bigs, and no place for the small fishes.

Italy makes history!

I kept debating with friends since one week before the World Cup Italy won't make it big at all, and Paraguay might lead this group. I didn't expect that Italy will be out that early. I thought they will get only to second round, and nothing beyond.

This could be the worst performance I ever seen for Italy. They were lost in the field, no possession, no good passes, and nothing else to remember out of this world cup. We all saw the very exciting Italian drama last night,



People kept telling me that Italy always start slow then they improve slowly, and you just find them in the final. This is true indeed! But people also forget the so many times that Italy started slowly and were knocked out too early. I will combine Euro and World Cup records, and I will go backwords:

- Euro 2004: Italy was knocked out at group stages
- World Cup 2002: Italy knocked out at second round from South Korea golden goal.
- Euro 1996: Italy left at group stages.
- Euro 1992: Italy didn't qualify
- Euro 1984: Italy didn't qualify (Italy was the World Cup champion at that time)
- Euro 1976: Italy did't qualify
- World Cup 1974: Italy left at group stages beating only Haiti.
- Euro 1972: Italy did't qualify
- World Cup 1966: Italy left at group stages after losing to North Korea 0-1.
- Euro 1964: Italy did't qualify
- World Cup 1962: Italy left at group stages
- Euro 1960: Italy did't qualify
- World Cup 1958: Italy didn't qualify
- World Cup 1954: Italy left at group stages
- World Cup 1950: Italy left at group stages

You can see that Italy leaving early, is not that something very shocking, as much as it might sound. I add, that in 2009 Confederation Cup, Italy lost to Brazil 0-1 and to Egypt 0-1 (by the way, Egypt beat Italy in Youth World Cup 4-2 in same year). Yes, Inter won the 2009 Champion League, but with a coach from Purtogal and not a single Italian in the line start up in the final.

What was shocking to me, not the early exit, as much as the bad performance of the Azzuri. I could not believe my eyes how bad they were. The ball could not move around till Perlo went in. The defence was extremely bad. Five goals in three games was beyond any team that would accept. I felt I was watching a normal team from Asia.

Slovakia was not that great team too. It was not Spain nor Germany, or even Ivory Coast. The team had so many gaps and spaces, missed many chances, and tactically, they played a very open game. I could not believe my eyes, they were winning 2-0 and still attacking and not taking care of defence nor paying attention to wasting time. They almost paid the price for that.

Is there something about signs of Italian football losing something of its magic? Will we see Italy in 10 years the same way we see Uruguay, Hungary or Poland today?

The irony of Germany group

This group had one of biggest surprises in this World Cup, Serbia beating Germany with a deserved 1-0 victory. Yet, today we say that Germany became the first of its group and Serbia ended up the last.

Germany had a very good game with a great goal. Ghana is a wonderful team in 80 meters of the field. Problems start in getting the net in in the last 10 meters, and get the ball out in the first 10 meters. They keep making small stupid defence mistakes.



I was speaking to someone today telling him, that prediction game is very very difficult. It does not only depend on the power of each team. It depends on so many factors: the coach, the physical and psychological readiness of the teams, the seriousness of the team and the game. It also depends on the conditions of the game, was it the last or first game, and what happened in the previous games, in other words, in the importance of the game.

This is very old in the world of football, since 1950 WC, when USA beat England 1-0, but the intensity of the games, and the tactics made these differences much less, which means it is much more difficult to predict the games.

Yet, here is a surprise:
We are done with four groups, and I got the qualified teams 100% correct, perfect record so far.

Here are my previous prediction in a post dated 14 June

The last of Domenech

Raymond Domenech must be the worst coach on French football history. Today after losing 1-2 to South Africa, he refused to shake hand with Carlos Alberto the South African coach



Here is choronology of French team crisis with Domenech

- 11 June: They have tied to Uruguay 0-0 after a very bad performance
- 13 June: Zidane told the media that he does not consider Domenech as a coach
"[Domenech] is not a coach. He picked his squad and he has to make them play together. You must put your ego to one side and work together. Teamwork is the most important thing, and that's not what we saw during the [Uruguay] match."
- 17 June: Mexico beat France 2-0, in the half time, Anelka had a fight with the coach and sweared at him "son of the xxxx"
- 18 June: Anleka was dismissed home.
- 20 June: French team did a strike and halted a training protesting on Anelka departure.
- 22 June: Domenech decided that Eva won't play the rest of the World Cup as he was leading the strike.
- 22 June: South Africa beat France 2-1

Now, with that, we can confidently say, that Domenech had one of worst ever performances for any coach in the world.

Brazil closer to the trophy

That was one of the best games of this World Cup so far. Despite their defeat, I was impressed a lot by the Ivory Coast performance. They lacked the organization and finding good solutions at the attacking side.

Brazil had a great performance. It looked a team that is coming to carry the World Cup and take it back home. All three goals were very strong ones.

Kaka looked very confident in the second half, and started to show his weight in the team. No wonder he was targeted for the red card. In a way, it is good for Brazil. It is a mandotary rest for the big star.

Robinho was wonderful having easy ball, one touches magic, Fabiano was the real star. Maicon forformance continued to be great, but Bastos still didn't get along with the rest of the team.

Algeria and Rooney

Algeria tie vs. England was perceived as a big win for Algerian team, especially after a very difficult preparation period they went through for the World Cup. Most people were doubting Algeria ability to do anything in this World Cup.

Rooney said before the game that even if England played half of their effort, they can still win the game. I was watching the game listening to one of the most prestigious Arab commentators (Yousif Saif from Qatar). He mentioned Rooney comment may be 15 times during the game, and every time he was saying "Rooney, it even looks like even if you played more than 100% of effort, it is a difficult game to win".

History repeats itself with so many strong teams in the world, if you don't respect your opponent, you might not be prepared to give your best during the game.

I was shocked after the World Cup draw that English papers and channels were celebrating "the very easy group" in the World Cup. I kept debating with many people, that all three teams won't be an easy catch. Now England still searching for its first win in the group.

For the history, Arab best one game ever victory in all times was in 1982 when Algeria beat Germany 2-1 in the first game. That time Germany had best player in Europe for two years in a row, they were the European Champs for 1980, and a strong World Cup favourite together with Brazil.

Paul Brietner said before the game, that even if they played with thier suits and ties they will still beat Algeria. 

Should we stop predicting?

I remember reading a very nice interview with Beckenbauer on 2002 World Cup where he said "I predicted Argentina or France to win the World Cup. After the first round, I decided to shut up". Both teams were knocked out at the group stages.

This Mondial is still at early stage, but it seems that we will be watching more and more surprises. The way this World Cup is going reminds us of 2002 one. I still think that this one will be a more beautiful one.

I think that the coach role in the team is getting bigger and bigger, in which how he can employ the talents he has and read the game, no matter what's the other team is. North Korea vs. Brazil must be taught in coaching schools despite the Korean defeat.

Being from Asia, I don't recall even seeing North Korea in the semi-final of Asian Cups, and if it ever reached, it was a pale one. Watching Korean performance was one of the most surprising games I saw in this game in my life.

Should we shut up and stop predicting like what Franz did eight years ago?

Maicon great goal vs. USA

Maicon goal vs. North Korea was the best so far in my opinion, together with the opening goal of the World Cup for South Africa. I favour this one.



What many people might not remember, that it was not his first with this style, he scored a similar one vs. USA in the confederation cup last year in South Africa.

Professional opinion or Jealousy?

Recent Pele comment on Maradona: "Maradona accepted the job as he needed work and needed the money. I saw how Argentina qualified with difficulty. But it is not Maradona's fault; it is the fault of those who put him in charge."

Maradona replied back "Pele should go back to the museum and stay there"

I think this comment is more of a jealousy rather than a professional opinion.
DUH! I don't think any coach will coach a team for free. Maradona is a bad coach, I agree, but it is the Argentinian federation to blame. Pele himself is making all of his public appearance to build his image to charge million of dollars for advertising. It is well known that he does not appear publicly for the love of the game.

He turned his football history into a big business, which is not a shame, but don't blame Maradona if he is looking for money.

A worse comment came from Cameroon legend, Roger Milla on Samuel Eto:

Eto mentioned just before the World Cup and as Cameroon in the final preparation stage, that Eto had “brought lots to Barcelona and Inter Milan but never anything to the Cameroon team. It’s also a question of discipline. Cameroon is waiting for him to react,”

This comment can come from a careless teenager not from a great player with big history Roger Milla.

Roger Milla either jealous from Eto success (which in my opinion he is better than Milla) or he has no idea what he is talking about.

Roger Milla played 102 games scored 28 goals for Cameroon.

Eto played 98 games scored 44 goals for Cameroon.

We all know that African players who play in Europe don't show their best in African Cups, which is played in the midst of European season. Eto is one of the exceptions, he is the all times top scorer for Cameroon scoring 18 goals for Cameroon in all African cups. He won it with Cameroon twice.

In the last World Cup qualifications, he scored 8 goals, to be the top scorer for Cameroon group and lead Cameroon to qualify to the World Cup.

Sorry Milla, but I think your comments are of pure jealousy, and has nothing to do with reality.

English keepers mistakes

England keeper Robert Green must be the saddest player in this World Cup after his fatal mistake vs. USA.
However, this type of mistakes are becoming a culture in the English national team.

England always had great keepers, which made 5 keepers to guard the English goal for about 5 decades
from Gorden Banks (since 1963) to Ray Clemence and Peter Shilton (starting 1972) and David Seaman (starting 1988).

Despite the golden ages of keepers, their mistakes in the past contributed good deal to England key moments.
It costed them to miss 1974 World Cup when they lost 0-1 to Poland after a very silly goal with a mistake by Peter Shilton. (England vs. Poland 0-1 -at 1:57)

Shilton had great career, and was really legendary keeper, one of my favoritess, but at his last international game at age of 40, he did another mistake that cost England to lose the third place in 1990 World Cup



Of course, we must mention Ronaldinho goal vs. David Seaman in 2002 World Cup



which was a replica of 1995 UEFA Cup Final at the 120th minute goal for Zaragoza vs. Arsenal from a similar mistake by David Seaman. Arsenal lost the final 0-1

But, then, it got just worse, with not a single impressive keeper that his name would ring a bell. Watch this goal by Austria in 2006 WCQ with a wonderful mistake by David James



Then, two years later, England could not qualify to Euro2008 as it lost to Croatia twice. First 0-2 with a silly goal vs. Paul Robinson



Then, in the second leg, England put another keeper, Scott Carson, who got a worse goal in my opinion. The first we might say it was luck and uneven ground, but there is no excuse for this goal



As I said, it looks like it is becoming a culture among English keepers

My WC predictions

I can say that ill now I have predicted all teams performances, with exception of South Africa that I expected to be worse. I always predicted Ghana to have great year. I was betting a lot on USA.
I expected Nigeria to have modest appearance, and Argentina to be a team without an identity.
This gives me the courage to post the rest of my predictions for the rest of the groups and teams:

Group E:
Netherlands and Denmark to the second round. Cameroon will compete, Japan is out.
Netherlands is my fourth team for this Mondia (Brazil, Spain, Germany, Netherlands) with order.

Group F:
Italy will compete with Paraguay to qualify. Slovakia will compete, but New Zealand is totally out.
I expect Paraguay to be the star of this group. Italy will be knocked out at 16th round. I will be really surprised if they reached quarter final.

Group G:
Brazil leading this group and competing on the world cup.
Portugal and Ivory Coast are having equal chances to qualify. If Ivory Coast qualified, I won't be surprised. North Korea is a counting machine for the goals.

Group F:
Spain leading the group without doubt.
Chile will be good. I don't know Swizerland yet.
Henduras will have good collection of goals, in its net.

==== and here is the first four groups (that already played) predictions ====
Group A:
Mexico to qualify. I was doubting South Africa and giving more preference to France then Uruguay.
Now, I think all three (France, Uruguay and South Africa) have equal chances to qualify with Mexico.
I was predicting Uruguay to be boring tactical team, and France to lack efficiency.

Group B:
Argentina to qualify, but it is not a team to compete on World Cup. It is an interesting team to watch.
I was expecting dull performance for Greece, and not too excited about Nigeria.
I was hoping Korea to introduce quick fast nice football and they did. Argentina and Korea to qualify.

Group C:
England and USA to qualify to second round. I was not surprised at all by the tie.
I have to say Slovania was below my expectations, and Algeria to disappoint the Arabs.

Group D:
Germany to compete on World Cup.
I was predicting either Serbia or Ghana to qualify. Now, it is clearly Ghana.
Australia is over-estimated team.

Who will win the World Cup?
One of the four teams, Brazil, Spain, Germany and less chances Netherlands.

Who will not win the World Cup?
Many friends mention Argentina, England, Italy or France. I say strong clear NO.

Reminder: Robinho

as we are getting close to the Brazilian first, game, here is something to remind you on Robinho. Though he had unstable seasons, but with Dunga, he is very stable in the national team, and a key player, that Dunga depends on



he got what's called, the Twinkle Feet, click here to know why
i am not a big fan of free style skills, but i only enjoy watching two players, Maradona and Robinho
watch this to know what i mean :)

Wonderful opening game

I was not very optimistic to watch a wonderful opening game, so the game came beyond my  expectations. I was little disappointed by Mexican side, and more impressed by the South African one.

Mexico played very slow, and the defence was often playing in one line, that created many gaps for the opponents. Blanco seemed over-weight and was a burden for his team. They missed many chances to regret, and needed a big defencisve mistake to score.

South African side, looked very discipline, very passionate, and playing the simple, and very quick counter attack football. Their goal was outstanding one, great speed, team work and finishing. They were very unlucky at the last minute.

The 1-1 result was a fair one, though either team would have won the game at any moment.
Here is the wonderful goal, stunning and passionate one


The other game just finished. Very disappointing. France lacked efficiency, Uruguay is as usual. I never see Uruguay playing well outside South America. I wish South Africa and Mexico to reach the second round. Chances are equal for all teams.

Promising young stars to watch

According to http://www.zonalmarking.net/, there 12 players to watch for this coming World Cup. Here are some of them which I liked

Yoann Gourcuff (France): 23 years old Midfielder who plays for Bordeaux.

Matias Fernandez (Chile): 24 years old attacking midfielder, I remember he did some wonderful moments in the WCQ. He plays for Sporting Lispon.


Mesut Ozil (Germany): 21 years old midfielder with Turkish ethnic origin, playing for Werder Bremen. Strong passes and long shot goals.

Marek Hamsik (Slovakia): 22 years old attacking midfielder playing in Napoli. The site describes him as the most talented Slovakian player by far.

Javier Pastore (Argentina): 20 years old attacking midfielder with Palermo.

Fabio Coentrao (Portugal): 22 years old left back who was left winger, playing at Benfica.

Ricarrdo Montolivo (Italy): 25 years old midfielder, who might have more space and role in Italian team after Pirlo injury.

Christian Eriksen (Denmark): only 18 years old playing at Ajax and the youngest in the World Cup with only 3 international caps. He is called as the new Laudrup.

Danny Alves (Portugal): or Danny Miguel playing Zenit St. Petersburg. He is 22 years old only with a tag price of 30 million Euro.

Teams in small videos

With the last night before the World Cup, here are little videos for some of the teams, each summarizes what's going on in that team

Argentina, the most mysterious team, craziness mixed with genius lol


Brasil, where individual skills mold into amazing team work


Spain, where short passes team work can penetrate any defence


Germany, where Germany seems to recharged its known power again


South Africa, even the poor performance might surprise you with WC fever


Paraguay, I expect surprises from them

New star: Michel Bastos (Brazil)

Dunga is introducing a wonderful left back phenomena, Michel Bastos.

Bastos plays in Lyon as winger, but with Dunga he plays a left back. He is 26 years old, he is very skillful, energetic and tactical. And there is something with the left backs of Brazilian national team, they got the culture of free-kicks.

This was last Bastos goals few days ago in a friendly vs. Zimbabwe


He got an amazing left foot shots, watch this

This is a video with some of his wonderful goals
Another wonderful acrobatic goal
Another two nice precise goals in one game
Another amazing free kick   and   Amazing missed free kick

Brazilian left backs and free kicks:
Something unique about Brazil. Since early 1980s, and almost every left back got great skills in free kicks. Here is some little record:

- Junior (82, 86 WCs): He was right footted. 1980/81 Brazil played Germany three times and won all games. Junior scored goal in each game against the legendry keeper Schumacher. Two of them were from free kicks. This is one of them (Second 38). Watch this free kick at the end of his career at age 38.

- Branco (86, 90, 94 WCs): I think he was a better left back than Roberto Carlos. More reliable and his free kicks were comparable too. You must remember the goal that took Brazil to the semi-final in 1994. But, also, he had great moments with Genoa. Watch this amazing free kick in the derby. Or this amazing one vs. Liverpool.

Yet, my favourite goal for Branco, is one I still remember from Copa America in 1991 vs. Argentina (second 25)


- Roberto Carlos: (1998, 2002, 2006 WCs)
I think I don't need to put any comments, just a little video of his best moments.

Funniest Football video of the year LOL

This is a VERY FUNNY very well done video on diving and cheating in football.
I liked especially, Ronaldo IV one.

this video should be shared with all World Cup referees






Picked from Lastkick blog

Google World Cup and Scoooooooooore

Google never manage to miss a world event, and for sure, not the World Cup
try to Google "World Cup" and you will see "Gooooooooooal" at the bottom of the page

picked from Soccerblog.com

Spain finally declares readiness!

In my previous few posts, I put down a little bit over-optimistic opinions on Spanish team. No doubt this is their best team in history, and one of two strongest sides in world today. I only was worried of 'fatigue' after long tiring European heavy season.

Last friendly for Spain vs. Poland, had a very different message. The team looked very energetic and ready, something that reminded us of the Euro2008 feelings.  Team work with a lot of quick fast penetrating passes.

I liked in specific the last goal, a typical Pedro

Will South Africa break a WC record?

It is pitty that South Africa is hosting the World Cup while their national team in its worst shape in its modern history. It is ranked one of the weakest sides in the tournament. It got a strong group, Uruguay, Mexico and France. I don't think they have a lot of chances to pass to the second round.

Most SA side got little European experience, 16 out of 23 players are playing in home country.

If SA didn't pass the first group, it will be the first World Cup host ever to leave at first round.

Yet, we gotta remember that without a single doubt the host nation has an advantage of playing in home ground. When we look into World Cup history, here are few observations:

- In previous World Cups, no host ever was knocked out of group stages. Even USA in 1994 with a very tough group of Columbia, Romania and Switzerland, they still managed to qualify to second round.

- A team like South Korea played 14 games without a single victory prior to 2002 WC. When they hosted the WC, they reached semi-final.

- The host reached the semi-final 12 out of 18 previous tournaments.

1930 - URUGUAY - WC Winner       1934 - Italy - WC Winner
1938 - France - Quarter Final            1950 - Brazil - 2nd Place
1954 - Switzerland - Quarter Final    1958 - Sweden - 2nd Place
1962 - Chile - 3rd Place                    1966 - England - WC Winner
1970 - Mexico - Quarter Final           1974 - Germany - WC Winner
1978 - Argentina - WC Winner          1982 - Spain - Quarter Final
1986 - Mexico - Quarter Final           1990 - Italy - 3rd Place
1994 - USA - 16th Round                   1998 - France - WC Winner
2002 - Japan / Korea - 16th Round / 3rd Place    2006 - Germany - 3rd Place
2010 - South Africa - ??????

I still think the odds are not into SA favour at all

Uncovering the man behind 1982 refereeing incident

If you watch any documentary for 1982 World Cup, you must see Fahad Al-Ahmad, the man behind one the most contraversial refereeing incidents in the history of the World Cup



Kuwaiti players heared a whistle from the fans and steopped thinking a French player is off-side. Fahad Al-Ahmad, head of Kuwaiti football federation, went down to the field and threatened to pull out of the game. FIFA officials and Referee agreed to disallow the goal. Then, of course French players and coach got very mad.

The incident didn't impact anything in the game, as it was 3-1 at that moment, and it ended 4-1 for France anyhow, I think it was very bad interference and very bad decision from the referee to negotiate his decision.

All docmunetaries and World Cup books end the story here. What you don't know about this man (unless you are a Kuwaiti) is more contraversial and interesting.

Fahad Al-Ahmad is a hero in Kuwait, for everything other than that incident.

His heroic death:
Fahad died in 2nd of August, 1990, that was the day Iraqi forces of Saddam Hussain invaded Kuwait after midnight. All royal family members evacuated the palaces and houses towards Saudi Arabia, except one man, Fahad Al-Ahmad.

He took a machine gun and defended his home till the last second. It was like watching Troy or Brave Heart movie. He was the only Kuwaiti Royal family member to lose his life that night.

I cannot be sure if that was the best decision to take. May be he would have more value to his country if he was prudent and evacuated. Yet, without a doubt, it was very brave of him.

The man who gathered Iraq and Iran:

What is more contraversial, that Kuwait held a "Friendship Tournament" few months before the Iraqi invasion, in which Iraq and Iran played for the first time against each other since the begining of their war in 1980. Fahad Al-Ahmad took big PR out of that as a man of gathered both rivals in Kuwait, only few months before his death on Iraqi forces

His character
Fahad was a man of spotlights, was very bold and liked challenges, may be this what made him go down that game in 1982 World Cup. However, he was also down to earth with his national team. He mingled with them in camps and trainings, wearing shorts, and he was great motivator and leader.

Kuwaiti national team players used to run into the fans side, where Fahad was sitting, and raise their fist to the sky (victory) as a way to communicate with him.

Fahad also knew how to read the game very well. Prior to 1982 World Cup, he decided to give the coaching to a great assistant coach (Carlos Alberto Parriera) and not Zagalo. 12 years later, Carlos won the World Cup with Brazil.

With him, "The Blue" (Kuwaiti national team) achieved everything an Asian team dreamed of at that decade.

'The Blue' achievements:
We have to remember at the 1970s, Football was very different. Smaller fishes had very little dream to embaress the big ones. Kuwait had only 1,600 registered players, and it was a very small nation of 1.5 million population only.

Let's review that day, at Kuwait and France game, what Kuwaiti teams achieved:
- Gulf Cup: It is a regional cup of 5 to 7 countries. Kuwait won 5 out of 6 competitions.
- 1980 Olympic Games: qualified in a sensational way and had great appearance:
Kuwait x Nigeria 3-0
Kuwait x Columbia 1-1 with a wonderful goal
Kuwait x Czechoslovakia 0-0
Kuwait played the Quarter Final vs. Soviet Union in Moscow and scored goal of the tournament with their legendary player Jasem Yaqoub vs. the Soviet legendary keeper Dassaiev. Kuwait played great game and hardly lost 1-2



- 1980 Asian Cup: Won their first and only title beating South Korea 3-0 in the final.
- 1982 World Cup: Kuwait qualified to the World Cup, and they had great game tying with Czechosolovakia 1-1 with a goal to remember:



At that moment, as I said, Kuwait had everything an Asian team would dream of in 1982.
When they played France, they kinda lost balance. I saw so many interviews with Kuwaiti players, and all say that they lost balance and under-estimated France. They lost 1-4. Last game Kuwait lost to England 0-1 after a fair game.

Kuwait with Fahad Al-Ahmad left great memories and great goals to remember for long time.
This is one of those goals during the golden age

WC Photo Break - Zizou Head

I don't think any head produced so many big moments in the World Cup like this stubborn head

WONDERFUL Solos

as we are waiting for the Friday World Cup opening, here is something entertaining to watch, great solos



Johan Cruyff while playing in the USA



And something very recent

Best every goal by head

This is one of best header goals I ever seen in my life if not the best ever. This is a goal by Kuwait vs. Iraq in decisive qualifying game to the 1980 Olympic games. First half ended 2-0 for Iraq. Second half Kuwait won 3-2, that was the equalizer goal.



Kuwait qualified to the Quarter Final in 1980 Olympic Games to lose only to Soviet Union 1-2 at Moscow.
(hint: this is an introduction to one of my next posts about Kuwait famous incident)

Messi magical moments

As we are waiting for the big event, here is something from fans camera, to make you aspire for the World Cup



and here is something more

World Cup injuries rally

Injuries prior to the World Cup is not something new at all.
Romario 1990, Zizou 2002, Platini 1986, Maradona 1990, all suffered from injuries that impacted their performance in the World Cup.

But, I don't think we ever seen anything like this year, the rally is getting longer and longer:
- Germany: Michael Ballack
- England: David Beckham and Rio Ferdenand are both out. Ashley Cole is returning from injury.
- Ivory Coast: Didier Drogba broken arm threatens his World Cup participation.
- Ghana: Michael Essien
- Italy: Andrea Pirlo is injured and might miss World Cup games
- Nigeria: John Mikel Obi who plays for Chelsea
- Netherlands: news on Arjen Robben injury that might threaten his World Cup participation
- Mexico: the striker Guillermo Franco
- Spain: Torres, Iniesta and Fabregas are returning from injuries, while Xavi might have a muscle injury due to long hectic season.

Brazil seems to be still injury free despite two injury doubts of the keeper Julio Cesar and left back Michel Bastos. Both trained with team on Saturday.

Despite of many mythes that Brazil is less physically than other European teams, they always prove to win games based on physical stamina as well as skills and team works
"There might be occasions in which the best training is done at the gym, to get players in good condition following their long seasons," Brazil coach Dunga said.

Most critical (missed) chance

There are some great missed chances in critical times that would have changed the history of the football, the way we know it

One was the great Dino Zoff save against Zico at the 90th minute of 1982 Italy Brazil famous quarter final. If that was scored, Brazil 1982 golden team would have qualified to the semi-final instead of Italy.




Another was a similar great save by Gianluigi Buffon 24 years later in 2006 WC final. This time it was from Zizou head at the extra time. France would have won the World Cup, and Zidane would end his career holding the trophy rather than by a red card. No one would have remembered Materazzi.

Paul Gascoigne almost scored the sudden death goal in the Euro 1996 Semi-Final vs. Germany. England would have played the final in Wembly, and nothing would have stopped them from winning their first trophy other than 1966 WC.

Also, Del Piero missing first chance, and another second chance in Euro 2000 Final.

However, no chance would have changed the history of World Cup and football in general more than Rob Rensenbrink chance hitting the post in the 1978 fianl vs. Argentina in the 90th minute, while the game was still 1-1.

(at 05:00 at this video)


If that goal was scored, look at the consequences:

- Netherlands would have won the 1978 World Cup, not Argentina.

- Rob Rensenbrink would have been the top scorer. Rob and Mario Kempes both had 5 goals each at that moment. Only several minutes later, in the extra time, Kempes scored his sixth goal.

- Netherlands would became the sixth nation to win the World Cup, not Argentina. Till 1978, there were only five countries that won the trophy. That night, a definite new country would have entered the golden record.

- We would not have missed Netherlands in 1982 WC.

- Menotti would not have continued to coach Argentina after that mondial. This means VERY different career for Maradona with his national team. It is well known that Menotti coaching delayed Maradona peak with his national team. Italy and Brazil would have faced very Argentina in 1982.

- What would be the political consequences in Argentina in 1978? Government took the world cup as a big media propaganda for its campaign.

Well, Rob didn't score.

WC Photo Break

2002 - David Seaman before Ronaldinho goal

2002 - Argentina tough players

1982 - Ardelis shirt was torn against Italy in the first Qurater final

1982 - Zico shirt was torn in the second Quarter final vs. Italy

New star: Angel Di Maria

Angel Di Maria is one of the promising stars in the coming world cup. He is 22 years old, only several months younger than Messi, and born in the same city, Rosario, and he is also a left footted player. He plays with Benfica. He played for under 20 team, Olympic team and now the first team.

His goals are often a mixture of power and skills. His first goal with Argentina was with the Olympic team vs. Nigeria to score the winning goal in the final. Last week he had a stunning skillful goal vs. Canada



This is another wonderful goal vs. Chile in youth world cup under 20


Here are some of his wonderful goals with Benfica

Blog to resume by tomorrow

This blog took urgent vacation for few days as the blogger had very good personal new news : )

Bebeto celebrating his goal in Netherlands and new born in 1994 WC QF

if anything is impressive, is the timing of this news lol

it cannot be better, i have every reason to stay home all day watch the WC games