World Cup Ramblings (5)

So my pre-tournament prediction that Engerland would definitely make the quarter-finals was wrong (even I didn't appreciate quite how bad they were). The inquest has already started, but I suggest that, instead of blaming the manager, the system, the linesman, etc., people just read this post from a couple of years ago:

http://floatlikeabutterflysting.blogspot.com/2008/06/42-years-of-hurt-and-counting.html

World Cup Ramblings (4)

Same old story - one minute the Engerland team are hopeless losers (and let's be honest they did look woeful against Algeria) the next they're going to beat Germany. In fact most of the callers to the Radio 5 phone in after the Slovenia game seemed to be of the opinion "now we're going to win it"!

To be honest, a victory against Germany wouldn't surprise me - but if they beat Germany, then Argentina, then Spain, then Brazil, even I will have to concur that they're deserved winners!

World Cup Ramblings (3)

Still sticking to my pre-tournament prediction that Engerland will definitely reach the quarterfinals, and probably the semis. The parallels with 1990 are scary: ridiculed after the opening 2 games, players force manager to change system, relatively easy route to the semis, come home as heroes..

World Cup Ramblings (2)

Some thoughts at the end of the first group stage matches:

Germany: I suspect they may have peaked too soon. Historically, teams which start really well don't go on to win the World Cup

Argentina: As I said before the tournament began, they are probably the best value odds to win the tournament (still around 7/1)

Engerland: It wouldn't surprise me if Robert Green ended up being the quarter/semi final penalty kick hero...

Ivory Coast & France: The dream scenario remains that Engerland get knocked out by Sven’s side, and that France win the whole thing. Unfortunately, I don't see either of those things happening. Ivory Coast probably won't get through the group of death, and France may also go home early

Spain: Usual calamitous start to a World Cup. However, one would expect this group of players to be a bit more resilient than in the past, and it will be interesting to see if they can turn it around. No team has ever won the competition after losing their opening game, so if they did manage to pull it off it would be a tremendous achievement.

Brazil: Arguably the best team in the tournament, but the best team doesn't always win. Sometimes mediocre teams win - which is why Engerland still have a chance…

World Cup Ramblings (1)

I hope:

France win the tournament: it would be poetic justice for all those corrupt/inept people who run the game if a team which blatantly cheated to get to the finals (and was allowed to get away with it) goes on to win the trophy.

Engerland get knocked out by the Ivory Coast: Sven is a great manager, and is unjustly maligned for his international record - guiding England to the World Cup quarterfinals in both 2002 (losing to the eventual winners) and 2006 (losing on penalties); losing only five competitive matches during his tenure; taking the team to a ranking of No.4 in the world. It would be sweet if he came back to haunt the FA and all those fans with completely unrealistic expectations of the national team.

I think:

Argentina are the best value odds to win the tournament: Messi, Tevez, Heinze, Veron, Mascherano, etc. but currently rated by the Bookmakers at 7/1.

Engerland will: Definitely get to the quarterfinals; probably get to the semi-finals; and possibly get to the final. They're one of the best 8 teams in the tournament, but not one of the best 4; however, they're due a bit of luck in the quarters/semis (e.g. winning on penalty kicks, being awarded a dubious goal; opponents having a player sent off). But let's be honest (however far they get) they don't compare with the likes of Spain in terms of skill, talent and flair.

I suspect (and hope):

The tournament will be decided by a controversial decision: this would (once again) highlight the need to adopt some of the ideas employed in American Football which prevent cheating and ineptitude. And hopefully force the authorities to finally act.