I spent the last two weeks in England, a country I love very much, in part because its national character is so full of quirks. One such quirk is its majestically complicated relationship with its national football team.
In its first match in this year’s World Cup, a 1-1 draw with the U.S., the English goal-keeper made a horrible mistake and was subsequently treated as if he were French-born, or worse (and was promptly benched). After a desultory 0-0 draw with Algeria, the English team was pronounced total rubbish. Though the weather last week was divine, a cloud of self-disgust hung over the nation. But then, after thrashing Slovenia 1-0 and thereby advancing to the knockout round, the English team was declared fit for the Cup title, ready to roll over Germany and any other unlucky nation that might get in its way.
But Germany thrashed England yesterday, 4-1. Yes, there was a disallowed English goal that was clearly valid, but it’s hard to argue England wouldn’t have been sent home nonetheless. So once again the nation mourns. It seems unfair to the point of disbelief that a country that invented a sport could now so badly trail the rest of the world. (The same can of course be said about many things in England, including tennis. Summertime is a particularly sour time to be an English sports fan, as Wimbledon also reminds him that the world takes what England makes.)
Moreover, the nation looks for explanations for this routine football failure. Many explanations can be found in the book Soccernomics in a segment entitled “Why England Loses.” (This is well worth a read for any English football fan; essentially, you overvalue your football heritage and undervalue the benefits of innovation.) And many more explanations, some of them echoing the arguments in Soccernomics, have been trotted out in the English newspapers today.
The English Premiere League doesn’t employ enough English players, thereby allowing too many foreigners to gain high-level experience at the expense of native lads.
The English players in the EPL are too exhausted after the long season (although foreign EPL players are apparently exempt from such exhaustion).
English technique is simply inferior to other squads’, whether the Germans’ hyper-organization or the South Americans’ run-and-gun; but, having invented the game, England still thinks its technique is supreme.
English fans and media expect too much and thereby create too much pressure. (That might explain why Wayne Rooney and all the rest seemed scared to even take a shot in the Algeria draw.)
Because “our best players are just not as good as everyone says, and the rest of the team are just average.”
England is snakebit, and had typically poor pre-tourney luck, with injuries to Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King, and even David Beckham.
Here’s my favorite explanation, from London’s outspoken mayor Boris Johnson, writing in today’s Telegraph:
I had an insight, an omen, yesterday morning. I got up early to play tennis, at a municipal court. It is a lovely place, an oasis of green, in a densely populated area not far from London; and since I had failed to book I fully expected to be kicked off by 8am. Well, by 9am the courts were still deserted and we played blissfully on. It wasn’t until almost 10am – on one of the most glorious days of the year, a day when the whole of nature seems to shout that it’s time for tennis – that we were joined on the courts. A nice middle-aged couple turned up and began patting it to each other, and I thought, by heaven, what is wrong with us? Where is the get-up-and-go of our kids?
If this was Germany, they would have been out bagging the courts since dawn! Somewhere along the line the nation that invented or codified virtually every sport seems to have lost its lust for competitive games. I don’t want to exaggerate this. We did amazingly at the 2008 Olympics, and we have recently beaten Australia at rugby. But in our game, the world game, we should be doing so much better.
I am sure the problem is partly to do with all those foreign players in the Premiership, but it’s more fundamental than that. We are still paying the price of an educational establishment that developed an aversion to competitive games and an obsession with bureaucracy and elf and safety that made it hard for the voluntary sector to fill the gap.
I am sure you could find (or come up with) at least 100 more explanations for England’s regular World Cup failure.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
World Cup 2010 Group A: France vs. South Africa, Mexico vs. Uruguay
The French Revolution: France lost 2-0 to Mexico. The only thing less impressive than the result was the manner in which it was earned. The French were impotence personified. They played as 11 individuals. They could not break down the opponent. We thought we had reached the nadir, the fitting capstone to Raymond Domenech’s tenure. We thought wrong.
Nicolas Anelka told Domenech “Go Fuck Yourself, You Son of a Bitch” and was taken off at halftime. The story was leaked to the media. The F.F.F. (French Football Federation) held a meeting and dismissed the Chelsea striker from the team.
Players did not agree with the decision. They refused to train the next day to protest. This led to a theatrical altercation between captain Patrice Evra and a French coach, on YouTube within minutes. The team returned to their bus for a closed-window meeting. They forced Raymond Domenech, once a players strike leader (and mustache cultivator) himself , to a read a statement to the media stating their support for Anelka, their disagreement over how the situation was handled and their anger at F.F.F.
The French players did train yesterday, though the story has erupted into a national scandal.Sponsors are pulling out. Senior government officials are involving themselves. France’s reputation is at stake. So, the white French establishment using this as an opportunity to pontificate and humble “imbeclic” and “spoiled” players – mostly black with a few, including Anelka, who are Muslim – for not being properly French. That should go over well in the banlieues.
France vs. South Africa: For the match itself, Domenech will be shorthanded. His normal inclination is to play two holding midfielders. With Jeremy Toulalan suspended for two yellow cards, he won’t have any. Domenech dropped the “ringleaders” of the training ground sit down – captain Patrice Evra, former captain Thierry Henry, William Gallas, and Eric Abidal – from the Starting XI. (It’s just a theory, but these aren’t rubes. They are all veteran players, guys who have won Champions Leagues and domestic titles. The media should consider the possibility we did not get the whole story, rather than repeat the exclamations of one side and revel in the schadenfreude because it confirms anti-French prejudices.)
Both France and South Africa can advance, but they need an emphatic win and some help. Either Uruguay or Mexico needs to win to leave one team on four points. Depending on which team, France would have to make up a four or five goal difference. For South Africa it is five goals or six. Essentially, they need a turnaround on the level of the U.S. beating Egypt 3-0 and Italy losing 3-0 to send them through.
It’s hard to see France scoring. They have been scoreless for three straight. They haven’t scored against World Cup caliber opposition since a qualifying match with Serbia in September. South Africa’s skill players should have room to operate. Though he resembles him in stature, Abou Diaby is no Patrick Vieira. The fans should propel South Africa to a modest win, but not enough to go through.
Uruguay vs. Mexico: A draw sends both teams to the knockout round. Uruguay has shown versatility. The Sky Blue sat back and shut off France in the first match. They attacked with three strikers and thrashed South Africa in the second. With the advantage on goal difference, I think they opt to defend. Mexico will miss Carlos Vela’s speed down the wing, he’s out with a hamstring problem.
Nothing will be preordained. Trying to avoid Argentina, Mexico will shoot for an early goal. Why else start Blanco up front? Uruguay will hope for inspiration from Diego Forlan. However, if the teams are tied in the second half, expect them to count their blessings and kick the ball around for twenty minutes.
See GAMEDAY CONSULTANTS for how to place your wagers on the World Cup games.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Nigeria to Topple Greece
Scoring its first World Cup goal may not be much of a consolation if Greece suffers another early tournament exit. Nigeria is also trying to avoid an untimely elimination in South Africa.
The winless Group B rivals meet for the first time at the World Cup in 16 years Thursday in Bloemfontein.
Known for its disciplined defensive play, Greece committed a costly error that led to a goal in the 7th minute of a 2-0 loss to South Korea in the World Cup opener for both teams Saturday.
The defeat left the Greeks scrambling for answers as they managed two shots on goal.
“We really have to get our act together,” said coach Otto Rehhagel, who guided Greece to a surprise title at the 2004 European Championship by implementing stringent defensive play and organization. “We’ve got to improve a couple of things and be brave and courageous enough.”
While defensive struggles were evident Saturday, Greece hasn’t managed a goal in four World Cup games. The team was outscored 10-0 while losing every match in 1994, falling 2-0 to Nigeria.
Another scoreless effort against the Super Eagles could mean elimination from this tournament after Greece managed one goal while going 0-3 at Euro 2008.
“To be honest, there can be no transformation in five days, not for any team,” defender Vasilis Torosidis said. “What we need to be is very stubborn and to show this on the pitch. Even if we don’t win, we won’t be disappointed as long as we play well.”
Captain Giorgos Karagounis is one player Greece needs to play well, especially offensively. The midfielder, who was part of the 2004 title-winning team, was removed at halftime Saturday due to ineffectiveness.
Greece, though, could get a boost with the expected return of 6-foot-5 central defender Vangelis Moras, who missed the opener with a nagging groin injury.
Nigeria is facing elimination at the group stage for a second consecutive World Cup appearance after going 0-2-1 in 2002.
The Super Eagles fell 1-0 to Argentina on Saturday, as Vincent Enyeama kept the game from getting out of hand by making six saves to earn man of the match honors.
“We’re not going to kill ourselves. We have two more games to play,” Enyeama said. “We thank God the score was a little encouraging.”
Nigeria, though, will need to generate more offense after getting one shot on goal against Argentina.
Obafemi Martins, who had the lone shot, could be in the lineup after being used as a reserve. The forward has 17 goals in 32 games for his homeland, including a clutch tally with 9 minutes left to secure a 3-2 win over Kenya in the final World Cup qualifier to earn Nigeria a trip to South Africa.
A loss by either team would mean certain elimination. However, a tie would keep both alive heading into the final matches Tuesday, when Nigeria faces South Korea and Greece meets Argentina.
Known for its disciplined defensive play, Greece committed a costly error that led to a goal in the 7th minute of a 2-0 loss to South Korea in the World Cup opener for both teams Saturday.
The defeat left the Greeks scrambling for answers as they managed two shots on goal.
“We really have to get our act together,” said coach Otto Rehhagel, who guided Greece to a surprise title at the 2004 European Championship by implementing stringent defensive play and organization. “We’ve got to improve a couple of things and be brave and courageous enough.”
While defensive struggles were evident Saturday, Greece hasn’t managed a goal in four World Cup games. The team was outscored 10-0 while losing every match in 1994, falling 2-0 to Nigeria.
Another scoreless effort against the Super Eagles could mean elimination from this tournament after Greece managed one goal while going 0-3 at Euro 2008.
“To be honest, there can be no transformation in five days, not for any team,” defender Vasilis Torosidis said. “What we need to be is very stubborn and to show this on the pitch. Even if we don’t win, we won’t be disappointed as long as we play well.”
Captain Giorgos Karagounis is one player Greece needs to play well, especially offensively. The midfielder, who was part of the 2004 title-winning team, was removed at halftime Saturday due to ineffectiveness.
Greece, though, could get a boost with the expected return of 6-foot-5 central defender Vangelis Moras, who missed the opener with a nagging groin injury.
Nigeria is facing elimination at the group stage for a second consecutive World Cup appearance after going 0-2-1 in 2002.
The Super Eagles fell 1-0 to Argentina on Saturday, as Vincent Enyeama kept the game from getting out of hand by making six saves to earn man of the match honors.
“We’re not going to kill ourselves. We have two more games to play,” Enyeama said. “We thank God the score was a little encouraging.”
Nigeria, though, will need to generate more offense after getting one shot on goal against Argentina.
Obafemi Martins, who had the lone shot, could be in the lineup after being used as a reserve. The forward has 17 goals in 32 games for his homeland, including a clutch tally with 9 minutes left to secure a 3-2 win over Kenya in the final World Cup qualifier to earn Nigeria a trip to South Africa.
A loss by either team would mean certain elimination. However, a tie would keep both alive heading into the final matches Tuesday, when Nigeria faces South Korea and Greece meets Argentina.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Switzerland wins? US vs Slovenia preview
It is 2:31am in South Africa and jet lag is the most understated word that comes to mind right now. World Cup ads are everywhere. Salesmen walk in the middle of streets between cars, hawking jerseys for the World Cup teams. Vuvuzelas - the yard-long horns that are blown in South African soccer stadiums - are everywhere...and annoying.
Can someone please verify that Spain really lost? Goes to show you how much passion goes into each of these games. How many (honest) people out there would have even given the Swiss a chance? Good work Switzerland, you just gave hope to Slovenia and every other underdog the rest of the tournament.
Speaking of the USA next match, Slovenia enters the Friday's match-up against the USA as the top-dog in Group C. Slovenia was able to beat their opening opponent Algeria 1-0 because of a costly mistake by the Algerian goalkeeper (not as embarrassing as England goalie Robert Green's blunder).
The US was able to squeak a draw against the Brits, but will need to play better if they are to get out of the group stage. This game has huge implications for both sides:
- A win for Slovenia guarantees them a trip to the knockout round.
- America needs a win to keep pace with England, who will likely get the three points against Algeria.
Slovenia’s strength is their defense. During World Cup qualifying, Slovenia only allowed four goals in ten matches.Slovenia’s roster is composed manly by a bunch of no-names who play very well as a team.
Their captain Robert Koren said it best when he told FIFA.com: “We don’t have any big-name players, but we do have a great spirit in the team and I think that will be our biggest strength…off the field we are all good friends, and I think you see that on the field, too.”
As will be the case in every opponent the US has upcoming, this one is most important. As Spain saw first hand today (yesterday...whenever that was) you have to treat each opponent in this World Cup as the best, or they will make you look your worst.
Gameday Consultants
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Celtics Win Game 6 and collect their 18th Championship...
Gameday Consultants has the Celtics tonight taking advantage of the 6.5 points they are being given. We have yet to see the Big 3 play their best together and that's fine. Tonight however, we are going to need a full team effort. This is the game where the Celtics or any team in sports cannot take their foot off the throat of their opponent.
Celtics are entering game 6 with a 2 game win streak and heavy momentum, should they lose tonight, the momentum now is in the hands of the Lakers, at home with Kobe in a do or die. Nobody wants that.
Tonight Sacramento fans can come out to Clubhouse 56 (723 56th Street
Sacramento, CA 95819 (916) 454-5656) and see what should be the best game of the series so far.
Celtics are entering game 6 with a 2 game win streak and heavy momentum, should they lose tonight, the momentum now is in the hands of the Lakers, at home with Kobe in a do or die. Nobody wants that.
Tonight Sacramento fans can come out to Clubhouse 56 (723 56th Street
Sacramento, CA 95819 (916) 454-5656) and see what should be the best game of the series so far.
I would love to be in LA right now cheering on the Celtics but I have an early flight to Johannesburg for the USA World Cup Game against Slovenia.
Take care and remember Celtics +6.5 tonight at 9.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
USA beats England: World Cup 2010
To most people in the United States, the World Cup is just another sporting event: one more reason to fire up the grill, crack open a beer and invite some friends over. And that’s if you’re young or interested enough even to understand the game, let alone appreciate it — or maybe a really dedicated soccer mom.
“Football” as the rest of the world knows it is far more than a game, and the World Cup through international lenses is far more than a sporting event. It’s a monthlong peace treaty for nations to come together and play the world’s most beloved game. With everyone on an equal playing field, it’s about hope, opportunity and patriotism.
“Football” as the rest of the world knows it is far more than a game, and the World Cup through international lenses is far more than a sporting event. It’s a monthlong peace treaty for nations to come together and play the world’s most beloved game. With everyone on an equal playing field, it’s about hope, opportunity and patriotism.
For 90 minutes, people who differ in race, religion or gender leave all of those issues — issues they may even fight wars over — outside the stadium walls. They come together as fans, chanting and singing as 11 men wearing their nation’s colors unite to earn the right to call themselves the best in the world. That’s what I love the most about the World Cup: It’s amazing how soccer can bring the world together.
Of course I root for the home team and hope the United States does well, but I think I have more loyalty to certain players than to any nation outside of the U.S. I don’t feel any particular loyalty to Portugal, but I love to watch Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays club ball for Real Madrid when he’s not playing with the Portuguese national team.
Confusing? If you’re not sure who to watch but want to see some good soccer during the next month, here are five non-U.S. players worth watching:
1. Lionel Messi, Argentina. (World Player of the Year in 2009; arguably the best player in the world since Diego Maradona)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal. (Scoring goals is an art form for this guy. He’s explosive, crafty, and without a doubt one of the best players in the world.)
3. Wayne Rooney, England. (Solid finisher, likes to play off of the long ball. Rooney plays very direct, fast soccer.)
4. Kaká, Brazil. (His real name is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite — now you know why he goes by just his nickname, the only name the world of soccer knows him by. With Kaká in the midfield, Brazil is dangerous in the counter attack.)
5. Iker Casillas, Spain. (Goalkeeper; he has a tendency to make forwards look foolish. Seriously, he does things only superheroes are supposed to be able to do.)
1. Lionel Messi, Argentina. (World Player of the Year in 2009; arguably the best player in the world since Diego Maradona)
2. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal. (Scoring goals is an art form for this guy. He’s explosive, crafty, and without a doubt one of the best players in the world.)
3. Wayne Rooney, England. (Solid finisher, likes to play off of the long ball. Rooney plays very direct, fast soccer.)
4. Kaká, Brazil. (His real name is Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite — now you know why he goes by just his nickname, the only name the world of soccer knows him by. With Kaká in the midfield, Brazil is dangerous in the counter attack.)
5. Iker Casillas, Spain. (Goalkeeper; he has a tendency to make forwards look foolish. Seriously, he does things only superheroes are supposed to be able to do.)
And here in the land of the free, we’ve got one of the strongest teams the United States has ever had. Five players that may help lead the U.S. to success:
1. Tim Howard. (The veteran’s goalkeeping experience will keep the Yanks in close games.)
2. Carlos Bocanegra. (Plain and simple, this guy plays solid defense.)
3. Landon Donovan. (Over the years Donovan has become America’s golden boy. The outside midfielder makes things happen in the attack for the U.S.)
4. Clint Dempsey. (Donovan’s outside midfield counterpart; scored against Spain to win a huge upset for the U.S. in the Confederations Cup this year.)
5. Jozy Altidore. (A young, energetic forward. I’m not sure which I enjoy more — watching him score goals or watching his very American post-goal celebration: the “stanky leg.”)
1. Tim Howard. (The veteran’s goalkeeping experience will keep the Yanks in close games.)
2. Carlos Bocanegra. (Plain and simple, this guy plays solid defense.)
3. Landon Donovan. (Over the years Donovan has become America’s golden boy. The outside midfielder makes things happen in the attack for the U.S.)
4. Clint Dempsey. (Donovan’s outside midfield counterpart; scored against Spain to win a huge upset for the U.S. in the Confederations Cup this year.)
5. Jozy Altidore. (A young, energetic forward. I’m not sure which I enjoy more — watching him score goals or watching his very American post-goal celebration: the “stanky leg.”)
After upsetting top-ranked Spain this year in the Confederations Cup, the Red-White-and-Blue has momentum and a chance to do very well in South Africa. So have some pride in your country, and if Jozy Altidore scores, I hope you’ve practiced your stanky leg.
One game you absolutely don’t want to miss: United States vs. England.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Lakers/Celtics
The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that the average resale price for a ticket to Game 1 of the 2010 NBA finals is $1,071. That is 52% higher than the price a Game 1 ticket was going for had the series started in Phoenix.
The Journal also noted that average ticket price in Boston has increased from $561 to $591 since the Lakers eliminated the Suns on Saturday night.
Starting on Thursday, the Celtics and Lakers will meet for the 12th time in an NBA finals series. How remarkable is that? Consider this: Since the Celtics and Lakers first met in the NBA finals in 1959 (a four-game sweep for the Celtics,) the most common World Series matchup has been the Yankees and Dodgers, who have met four times. In the NHL? Maple Leafs and Canadiens, with three matchups. And for the Super Bowl it’s the Cowboys and Steelers, also with three.
Since 1959 the Celtics and Lakers have played in the NBA finals more times than the most common championship opponents in the other three major sports combined. Not that there was a whole lot of doubt, but this pretty much confirms that we are talking about the dominant rivalry in North American professional sports, right?
Get ready for double digit ratings....oh and the Celtics in 7.
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