Zee Thursday, June 10th, 2010
The Soccer City Stadium, Venue of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final. Johannesburg, South Africa.
Group G & H concludes the teams that are contesting this years FIFA World Cup, and in all truth contains the 2 teams that are on everyones lips...Brazil and Spain. The likes of Portugal and Ivory Coast shouldn't be brushed under the carpet but if you're looking for the two teams that are in form and that can realistically go all the way, swamped with world class players in every position, go no further than Rio or Madrid!
Group G:
Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal.
BRAZIL - Can they still be considered as the best team in the world? My answer is YES. In Capitals. People tend to forget a few key things. A) Brazil are always mediocre in the Qualifying groups - they just don't give a shit because they know that they'll get there! B) No matter who's in or out of the squad, no matter who you throw onto that football pitch, you will always get a world class performance from every player in every position. This current 23 has NO Ronaldo, NO Ronaldinho, NO Roberto Carlos and not surprisingly, NO Alexander Pato - the overrated young striker at AC Milan. But this shouldn't fool you, they simply don't need them. These guys have mastered the beautiful game and although they didn't create it, they've shown us their own brand of it over the years at its most extreme level. Forget who they lack and look at who they have at their disposal. After a £60 million move from AC Milan to Real Madrid, KAKA could've been forgiven for cracking under the pressure but he still performed admirably - not at his peak, but he was solid. When he's on the World Stage for Brazil, expect him to double the effort, as is standard. His slow and frustrating trickery, grouped with his fantastic shooting will help to gun down Group G rivals and get Brazil to atleast the last 4, for sure. His attacking partner in crime will be Manchester City's ROBINHO of whom their is a mixed opinion of. Many thought he had issues in England but I personally think that he's world class, and that it was Mark Hughes that was a prick of a manager, aswell as City's sheikhs having more money than sense in a poorly run establishment. Look out for his pace, his speed and his running while keeping the ball (a rare talent), his trickery and ofcourse, his precise shooting. Heck, just keep your eye on each and every single Brazilian individual, because a good 20 of the 23 at least are world class. Old veterans Gilberto Silva & Elano shouldn't be forgotten. This isn't a suck up to world superstars, it's a fact of life. Brazil are one of the 4-5 best teams in the world, they have an amazing track record, and they'll stay in Africa until the dramatic endings.
VERDICT: Brazilian Nuts!
On a different planet: Robinho and Kaka will light up your screens very, very soon! Enjoy!
NORTH KOREA- There's not much point of an introduction, because they'll be forgetten about before you even know it. If these boys get a single point out of their Group, this will be the biggest shock in world football since the Greeks won the 2004 European Championships. Without a single player of great importance or headlines at all, I'll leave out the player previews here and jump straight to the Ivory Coast. Because, you're right, I don't know who the hell they are either! Nothing to see here folks. Just don't get them confused with SOUTH KOREA.
VERDICT: Goodbye Leninists.
Do let me know if you know who any of these 阿飛dudes are, and you can take my job for WC2014!
COTE D'IVORIE/IVORY COAST - Now here are the nearly men of this Group. Not a team that you can bet your mortgage on to get as far as possible, and not a team whos Government still thinks that Dictatorships and personality cults are cool, just the best African team in this years World Cup, in terms of personnel, class, commitment, determination, you name it. But if I'm being brutally honest, that still won't be enough. And that's not down to any Ivorian weakness (of which there are very few), but more down to the class of the Brazilians and Portuguese who just won't let it occur. With most of their top players playing amongst the best teams in Europe, here's the pick of the bunch if you don't know of them already. Chelsea hitman DIDIER DROGBA, captain of the team, broke his arm in a warm up game recently but is expected to be fit. When you see him play, watch how his pure muscular strength will throw away alot of his opposition, watch out for how stupidly quick he is, and give him a chance with the ball at goal and the power alone, not usually the accuracy, is deadly enough. He'll most likely be partnered with club team-mate and understudy SALOMON KALOU who is pretty much the mini-Drog. Elsewhere, the TOURE BROTHERS, KOLO & YAYA of Manchester City and FC Barcelona repsectively will bring their top level defencive experience to the fold, while all-rounder, box to box winger, and the sometimes hated EMMANUEL EBOUE will change perceptions on the world stage. He's good, just don;t judge him in a weakened Arsenal side. Playing North Korea last will probably be a good consolation game for these boys to pick up 3 points, who will otherwise consider themselves to be unlucky with the 2 others who will probably beat them soundly. Do expect commitment and tough fights both times, though.
VERDICT: Ivorian Coast outgunned by Portuguese-influenced invaders!
The Ivory Coast squad, and the probable starting line-up. Always unlucky in Group-draws.
PORTUGAL- Probably only second to Italy in terms of annoying, unjust football at times by Mr.YouKnowWho, but a classy outfit nonetheless, who you should expect to see in the last 16 and further. With the squad not littered anymore with as many big-name stars apart from the obvious 2 or 3, they will still get through on merit playing their usual, silky, stylish football, which will only be overshowed if at anypoint by Group mates and former colony Brazil. Man, it must be so annoying when a country you teach a trade just kills you at it so soon afterwards. Just ask the English with their cricket! The obvious character to mention first would be captain CRISTIANO RONALDO. This guy will steal all your women's hearts again with his heroic dashy looks, but more importantly is a threat to your country! His shooting and free-kicks have been perfected and are out of this world. No one needs reintroducing to his fast-feet bags of tricks and flicks, and he'll give any fast player a run for their money. He may not have lived up to all expectations following that huge transfer to Real Madrid last year, but he'll still have a huge influence on this years world cup. Somewhat surprisingly still at Sporting Lisbon is MIGUEL VELOSO, who, being a midfield lynchpin, provider of the ball and tough in the tackle, could finally be tempted to move away this summer. There;s alot of the old dead-wood aka. the Chelsea boys - Deco, Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira etc. are past their best, but keep your eye on DANNY if you can. He seems pretty sharp. Only second behind Brazil, and progress in the knockouts.
VERDICT: Geriatric winkers get by yet again.
Cristiano Ronaldo being as straight as hell, as usual. Veloso's laughing at, and not with you btw. Issues.
Group G Final Standings PREDICTIONS:
1. Brazil
2. Portugal 3. Ivory Coast 4. Communists
Group H:
Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile...
SPAIN- The Euro 2008 champions have a genuine chance now of going for their first world title. They are many people's favourites and are amongst those most coveted 4 or 5 best teams in the world. With half of FC Barcelona's squad being the foundation of this team, its not surprise that they have the wealth of talent that they do and probably afford to keep Cesc Fabregas on the bench at times, which is why HE SHOULDN'T LEAVE Arsenal! Anyways, these boys first real challenge will come in the last 16, they'll coast through this group. The Swiss will provide them with some European know-how, but Spain are a cut above many in today's world scene. Where to start in terms of key players!? Liverpool striker FERNANDO TORRES has been hit by injuries in his clubs poor season, but despite this he continues to score sublime goals and should be fit. His deadly shooting, his abiliy to pace past defenders and get to the ball at the perfect time should see him reproduce his evident class. FC Barcelona's new £40 Million signing DAVID VILLA, whos finishing in the game is second to none, will partner him. His new clubmates midfield duo of ANDRES INIESTA & XAVI HERNANDEZ should shake off niggling injuries, which they have vested interests to do, to represent their countries first legit title bid. And CESC FABREGAS who continues to be linked to that Catalan mob will be pushing for a start and may even get it. I personally think he's the top of the 3, with his passing range, vision, and the ability to run the engine room in midfield and predict what's gonna happen before it does, Zidane-esque. He's all rounded, whereas Xavi concentrates solely on attack minded play. I can't leave without mentioning the threats posed by Spain's amazingly strong bench, probably the strongest in the tournament. Don't forget to look out for striker PEDRO, XABI ALONSO and Pique at centre-back! Enjoy watching their classy football progress as far as ever this time!
VERDICT: With hardwork, Spain CAN Reign in World Football.
Cesc, Xavi and Villa - just one portion of Spain's sublime squad.
SWITZERLAND- No neutrality bias this time, these boys have a good chance of making the last 16. What happens after that is who they could potentially be up against. But taking their decent record into account and their poor opposition barring Spain, the Swiss have a real chance of punching above their way in the knockout stages this summer. Experience is on their side in terms of their personnel, galvonised by top European coach Ottmar Hitzfeld. Captain ALEXANDER FREI is the big name on the team sheet. Switzerland first line of attack will most-defitely contain him and his hot-record will make any defence have to put in a decent shift. He's short but he's sharp and quick, so it'll be hard to miss him. West Ham United FC's action-man VALON BEHRAMI will be looking to pull the strings in midfield. He can evidently run at you and has a good shot on him. With the attention of Phillipe Senderos dying down, GOKHAN INLER of Udinese in Italy takes the cherry of defencive minded players. Big, sharp, hard in the tackle and with a rocket of a shot, very much in a Vieira-mould, this guy has time on his side and can show what he's made of this summer. We all know what the Swiss will make - the last 16 minimum.
VERDICT: The sharp Swiss army makes the cut.
How Switzerland are likely to line up en-route to the knockouts!
HONDURAS- They finished third behind USA and Mexico in qualifying, but Honduras's poor warm-up record and lucky escape at getting here will take their toll, and they'll join the North Koreans et. al in an early exit. They may play commitedly but lack the squad depth or the big names to do anything on the world stage. Spain and Switzerland are a different prospect to Trinidad and El Salvador! There's 2 players to look out for who have top level know-how. WILSON PALACIOS of Tottenham Hotspurs FC will be the energetic, tough tackling, hard-shooting box to box midfielder, probably having to work a double shift. And goals could arrive from his attacking team mate DAVID SUAZO of Genoa in Italy, previouslt of Inter Milan. Again, look out for that typical Central American team spirit, without the end result as usual.
VERDICT: Endurance for Honduras.
Band of Brothers: Honduras duo Wilson Palacios (L) and Suazo.
CHILE- With the days of Salas, Margas and Zamorano seemeing abslutely fucking ages ago, this must changed Chilean side doesn't have the same resistance or quality of its predecessors. Having not been in a World Cup since 1998, and taking into account the whole Rojas scandel, the face of football has changed in Italy. Surprisinglyenough however, a resilient squad finished 2nd in its qualifying group ahead of Argentina only second by a point to Brazil. As previously mentioned though, qualifyers are a whole different ball game. Former Liverpool striker MARK GONZALEZ is one to look out for amongst a group of unknown quantities. A free-shuffle between themselves and Honduras will ensue to see who gets 3rd place for pride.
VERDICT: Chile not hot enough.
Red Hot Chile Peppers: the squad for South Africa.
Group H Final Standings PREDICTIONS:
1. Spain
2. Switzerland 3. Chile 4. Honduras
TOMORROW: FIFA World Cup 2010 Day 1 Match Analysis! South Africa v Mexico & Uruguay v France.
The Soccer City Stadium, Venue of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final. Johannesburg, South Africa.
Group G & H concludes the teams that are contesting this years FIFA World Cup, and in all truth contains the 2 teams that are on everyones lips...Brazil and Spain. The likes of Portugal and Ivory Coast shouldn't be brushed under the carpet but if you're looking for the two teams that are in form and that can realistically go all the way, swamped with world class players in every position, go no further than Rio or Madrid!
Group G:
Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal.
BRAZIL - Can they still be considered as the best team in the world? My answer is YES. In Capitals. People tend to forget a few key things. A) Brazil are always mediocre in the Qualifying groups - they just don't give a shit because they know that they'll get there! B) No matter who's in or out of the squad, no matter who you throw onto that football pitch, you will always get a world class performance from every player in every position. This current 23 has NO Ronaldo, NO Ronaldinho, NO Roberto Carlos and not surprisingly, NO Alexander Pato - the overrated young striker at AC Milan. But this shouldn't fool you, they simply don't need them. These guys have mastered the beautiful game and although they didn't create it, they've shown us their own brand of it over the years at its most extreme level. Forget who they lack and look at who they have at their disposal. After a £60 million move from AC Milan to Real Madrid, KAKA could've been forgiven for cracking under the pressure but he still performed admirably - not at his peak, but he was solid. When he's on the World Stage for Brazil, expect him to double the effort, as is standard. His slow and frustrating trickery, grouped with his fantastic shooting will help to gun down Group G rivals and get Brazil to atleast the last 4, for sure. His attacking partner in crime will be Manchester City's ROBINHO of whom their is a mixed opinion of. Many thought he had issues in England but I personally think that he's world class, and that it was Mark Hughes that was a prick of a manager, aswell as City's sheikhs having more money than sense in a poorly run establishment. Look out for his pace, his speed and his running while keeping the ball (a rare talent), his trickery and ofcourse, his precise shooting. Heck, just keep your eye on each and every single Brazilian individual, because a good 20 of the 23 at least are world class. Old veterans Gilberto Silva & Elano shouldn't be forgotten. This isn't a suck up to world superstars, it's a fact of life. Brazil are one of the 4-5 best teams in the world, they have an amazing track record, and they'll stay in Africa until the dramatic endings.
VERDICT: Brazilian Nuts!
On a different planet: Robinho and Kaka will light up your screens very, very soon! Enjoy!
NORTH KOREA- There's not much point of an introduction, because they'll be forgetten about before you even know it. If these boys get a single point out of their Group, this will be the biggest shock in world football since the Greeks won the 2004 European Championships. Without a single player of great importance or headlines at all, I'll leave out the player previews here and jump straight to the Ivory Coast. Because, you're right, I don't know who the hell they are either! Nothing to see here folks. Just don't get them confused with SOUTH KOREA.
VERDICT: Goodbye Leninists.
Do let me know if you know who any of these 阿飛dudes are, and you can take my job for WC2014!
COTE D'IVORIE/IVORY COAST - Now here are the nearly men of this Group. Not a team that you can bet your mortgage on to get as far as possible, and not a team whos Government still thinks that Dictatorships and personality cults are cool, just the best African team in this years World Cup, in terms of personnel, class, commitment, determination, you name it. But if I'm being brutally honest, that still won't be enough. And that's not down to any Ivorian weakness (of which there are very few), but more down to the class of the Brazilians and Portuguese who just won't let it occur. With most of their top players playing amongst the best teams in Europe, here's the pick of the bunch if you don't know of them already. Chelsea hitman DIDIER DROGBA, captain of the team, broke his arm in a warm up game recently but is expected to be fit. When you see him play, watch how his pure muscular strength will throw away alot of his opposition, watch out for how stupidly quick he is, and give him a chance with the ball at goal and the power alone, not usually the accuracy, is deadly enough. He'll most likely be partnered with club team-mate and understudy SALOMON KALOU who is pretty much the mini-Drog. Elsewhere, the TOURE BROTHERS, KOLO & YAYA of Manchester City and FC Barcelona repsectively will bring their top level defencive experience to the fold, while all-rounder, box to box winger, and the sometimes hated EMMANUEL EBOUE will change perceptions on the world stage. He's good, just don;t judge him in a weakened Arsenal side. Playing North Korea last will probably be a good consolation game for these boys to pick up 3 points, who will otherwise consider themselves to be unlucky with the 2 others who will probably beat them soundly. Do expect commitment and tough fights both times, though.
VERDICT: Ivorian Coast outgunned by Portuguese-influenced invaders!
The Ivory Coast squad, and the probable starting line-up. Always unlucky in Group-draws.
PORTUGAL- Probably only second to Italy in terms of annoying, unjust football at times by Mr.YouKnowWho, but a classy outfit nonetheless, who you should expect to see in the last 16 and further. With the squad not littered anymore with as many big-name stars apart from the obvious 2 or 3, they will still get through on merit playing their usual, silky, stylish football, which will only be overshowed if at anypoint by Group mates and former colony Brazil. Man, it must be so annoying when a country you teach a trade just kills you at it so soon afterwards. Just ask the English with their cricket! The obvious character to mention first would be captain CRISTIANO RONALDO. This guy will steal all your women's hearts again with his heroic dashy looks, but more importantly is a threat to your country! His shooting and free-kicks have been perfected and are out of this world. No one needs reintroducing to his fast-feet bags of tricks and flicks, and he'll give any fast player a run for their money. He may not have lived up to all expectations following that huge transfer to Real Madrid last year, but he'll still have a huge influence on this years world cup. Somewhat surprisingly still at Sporting Lisbon is MIGUEL VELOSO, who, being a midfield lynchpin, provider of the ball and tough in the tackle, could finally be tempted to move away this summer. There;s alot of the old dead-wood aka. the Chelsea boys - Deco, Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira etc. are past their best, but keep your eye on DANNY if you can. He seems pretty sharp. Only second behind Brazil, and progress in the knockouts.VERDICT: Geriatric winkers get by yet again.
Cristiano Ronaldo being as straight as hell, as usual. Veloso's laughing at, and not with you btw. Issues.
Group G Final Standings PREDICTIONS:
1. Brazil
2. Portugal 3. Ivory Coast 4. Communists
Group H:
Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile...
SPAIN- The Euro 2008 champions have a genuine chance now of going for their first world title. They are many people's favourites and are amongst those most coveted 4 or 5 best teams in the world. With half of FC Barcelona's squad being the foundation of this team, its not surprise that they have the wealth of talent that they do and probably afford to keep Cesc Fabregas on the bench at times, which is why HE SHOULDN'T LEAVE Arsenal! Anyways, these boys first real challenge will come in the last 16, they'll coast through this group. The Swiss will provide them with some European know-how, but Spain are a cut above many in today's world scene. Where to start in terms of key players!? Liverpool striker FERNANDO TORRES has been hit by injuries in his clubs poor season, but despite this he continues to score sublime goals and should be fit. His deadly shooting, his abiliy to pace past defenders and get to the ball at the perfect time should see him reproduce his evident class. FC Barcelona's new £40 Million signing DAVID VILLA, whos finishing in the game is second to none, will partner him. His new clubmates midfield duo of ANDRES INIESTA & XAVI HERNANDEZ should shake off niggling injuries, which they have vested interests to do, to represent their countries first legit title bid. And CESC FABREGAS who continues to be linked to that Catalan mob will be pushing for a start and may even get it. I personally think he's the top of the 3, with his passing range, vision, and the ability to run the engine room in midfield and predict what's gonna happen before it does, Zidane-esque. He's all rounded, whereas Xavi concentrates solely on attack minded play. I can't leave without mentioning the threats posed by Spain's amazingly strong bench, probably the strongest in the tournament. Don't forget to look out for striker PEDRO, XABI ALONSO and Pique at centre-back! Enjoy watching their classy football progress as far as ever this time!
VERDICT: With hardwork, Spain CAN Reign in World Football.
Cesc, Xavi and Villa - just one portion of Spain's sublime squad.
SWITZERLAND- No neutrality bias this time, these boys have a good chance of making the last 16. What happens after that is who they could potentially be up against. But taking their decent record into account and their poor opposition barring Spain, the Swiss have a real chance of punching above their way in the knockout stages this summer. Experience is on their side in terms of their personnel, galvonised by top European coach Ottmar Hitzfeld. Captain ALEXANDER FREI is the big name on the team sheet. Switzerland first line of attack will most-defitely contain him and his hot-record will make any defence have to put in a decent shift. He's short but he's sharp and quick, so it'll be hard to miss him. West Ham United FC's action-man VALON BEHRAMI will be looking to pull the strings in midfield. He can evidently run at you and has a good shot on him. With the attention of Phillipe Senderos dying down, GOKHAN INLER of Udinese in Italy takes the cherry of defencive minded players. Big, sharp, hard in the tackle and with a rocket of a shot, very much in a Vieira-mould, this guy has time on his side and can show what he's made of this summer. We all know what the Swiss will make - the last 16 minimum.
VERDICT: The sharp Swiss army makes the cut.
How Switzerland are likely to line up en-route to the knockouts!
HONDURAS- They finished third behind USA and Mexico in qualifying, but Honduras's poor warm-up record and lucky escape at getting here will take their toll, and they'll join the North Koreans et. al in an early exit. They may play commitedly but lack the squad depth or the big names to do anything on the world stage. Spain and Switzerland are a different prospect to Trinidad and El Salvador! There's 2 players to look out for who have top level know-how. WILSON PALACIOS of Tottenham Hotspurs FC will be the energetic, tough tackling, hard-shooting box to box midfielder, probably having to work a double shift. And goals could arrive from his attacking team mate DAVID SUAZO of Genoa in Italy, previouslt of Inter Milan. Again, look out for that typical Central American team spirit, without the end result as usual.
VERDICT: Endurance for Honduras.
Band of Brothers: Honduras duo Wilson Palacios (L) and Suazo.
CHILE- With the days of Salas, Margas and Zamorano seemeing abslutely fucking ages ago, this must changed Chilean side doesn't have the same resistance or quality of its predecessors. Having not been in a World Cup since 1998, and taking into account the whole Rojas scandel, the face of football has changed in Italy. Surprisinglyenough however, a resilient squad finished 2nd in its qualifying group ahead of Argentina only second by a point to Brazil. As previously mentioned though, qualifyers are a whole different ball game. Former Liverpool striker MARK GONZALEZ is one to look out for amongst a group of unknown quantities. A free-shuffle between themselves and Honduras will ensue to see who gets 3rd place for pride.
VERDICT: Chile not hot enough.
Red Hot Chile Peppers: the squad for South Africa.
Group H Final Standings PREDICTIONS:
1. Spain
2. Switzerland 3. Chile 4. Honduras
TOMORROW: FIFA World Cup 2010 Day 1 Match Analysis! South Africa v Mexico & Uruguay v France.
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