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.

Maximum Power

Lat night, in winning the final of the Premier League, Phil Talyor hit the first nine-darter in a major final. A few legs later he did it again, becoming the first player in history to hit two nine-dart finishes in one game. I don't think there's any argument now that Taylor is the greatest competitor this country has ever produced.

Like I said (2 years ago)...

(31 would have been enough this season)

http://floatlikeabutterflysting.blogspot.com/2008/05/getting-point-38-not-40.html

Like I said...

Floyd Mayweather proved last night that he is, undoubtedly, the greatest fighter in the world. Despite coming close to being knocked out by Mosley in the second round (which is why those 4/1 odds were worth a little flutter), Mayweather went on to give a boxing masterclass. Before the fight, Mosley could justifiably claim to be one of the two best Welterweights in the world - but he was completely outboxed by the greatest. Sure, many pundits will continue to argue that Pacquiao is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. But if the two ever get together in the same ring, I can only see one winner. Bring it on.

Sweet as Sugar?

I just bet a few quid on 'Sugar' Shane Mosley at odds of 4/1 to win the big fight tonight. Think I'm crazy? I still believe Floyd Mayweather will win, but I reckon it's the toughest fight out there for the great one (much tougher than Pacquiao). Also, I'm a sucker for quality fighters with the 'Sugar' moniker. And I'll take 4/1 on Mosley against anyone...