Friday, June 30, 2006
Frank Dampard
What has happened to Frank Lampard? It has been impossible to sit down at any dinner table in any World Cup city without hazarding that question. Salt and pepper pots have been rearranged to recreate tactical manoeuvres and analyse what has gone wrong, yet still no one knows the answer for certain. What has happened to the man who was runner-up to Ronaldinho for Fifa's world footballer of the year? Why is the World Cup witnessing the West Ham United player of old rather than the Chelsea player of new? Too much beer? German prostitutes? You tell us.
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Spain spins sorrows
So how does it shape up here on...
Germany v Italy (SF)
Portugal v France (SF)
Brazil v England (Third / Fourth)
Italy v France (F)
Italy wins!
Not like I really care now that Spain is out, but...
Germany v Italy (SF)
Portugal v France (SF)
Brazil v England (Third / Fourth)
Italy v France (F)
Italy wins!
Not like I really care now that Spain is out, but...
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Why Brazil will not win the world cup
Because when in Europe, do as the Europeans know what to do. Germany will win. Lagi bet?
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Sunday, June 04, 2006
What Say You?
Yes, we have been missing in action haven’t we? Well we are back with a vengeance.
The FIFA World Cup kicks off in four days!!! A little surreal for some reason… in about a month some team will hold that much hyped over cup! Which team? Let us put down our predictions and then we will have evidence to claim our boasting rights.
Logically, going with bookmakers and a personal bias, it’s going to be either an Italy – Germany or Spain – Germany Finals. Either Italy or Spain is taking this baby home.
I hope Spain does. I know they haven’t done anything remarkable beyond a Quarter-final in 1950. But Chelsea winning the EPL last year was the first in my lifetime.
I have a feeling its Spain’s year!
Plus, Alonso in the Grand Priz, Nadal doing well in the Grand Slam tournaments and Barcelona winning the Champions League… perhaps it is an Espana year!
What say you?
The FIFA World Cup kicks off in four days!!! A little surreal for some reason… in about a month some team will hold that much hyped over cup! Which team? Let us put down our predictions and then we will have evidence to claim our boasting rights.
Logically, going with bookmakers and a personal bias, it’s going to be either an Italy – Germany or Spain – Germany Finals. Either Italy or Spain is taking this baby home.
I hope Spain does. I know they haven’t done anything remarkable beyond a Quarter-final in 1950. But Chelsea winning the EPL last year was the first in my lifetime.
I have a feeling its Spain’s year!
Plus, Alonso in the Grand Priz, Nadal doing well in the Grand Slam tournaments and Barcelona winning the Champions League… perhaps it is an Espana year!
What say you?
Have you heard of Tommy Lawton?
Tommy Lawton scored 570 goals. He played for Everton becoming the youngest goalscorer and he kept the record for 70 years. Until, Wayne Rooney broke it in 2002. On the international front he has scored 22 goals for England in 23 games. He was the king of headers… nodding in his goals.
A classic was his goal against Charlton way back. His team won a corner, Lawton drifted into the penalty area. The ball came towards him, he jumped higher than any defender, made it to seem as he was hovering and shouted at the opponent goalie – “Top Corner!” Obviously not buying that, the goalie was all over the place and Lawton headed it exactly there – the top corner.
A classic was his goal against Charlton way back. His team won a corner, Lawton drifted into the penalty area. The ball came towards him, he jumped higher than any defender, made it to seem as he was hovering and shouted at the opponent goalie – “Top Corner!” Obviously not buying that, the goalie was all over the place and Lawton headed it exactly there – the top corner.
Why Brazil WILL win!
Now...below are some interesting reasons why Brazil will win..my opinion will follow after...
We first stary with second best footballer in history...(first has to be Pele)
Maradona Tips Brazil
Mon 27 Feb, 6:09 PM
RIO DE JANEIRO, February 27 (World Cup) - Argentina legend Diego Maradona believes Brazil are favourites to triumph at this summer's World Cup. The 1986 World Cup winner also insists his own nation are among the contenders, but has warned them to guard against mistakes. "Brazil are the favourites to win in Germany, because they have one of the best national teams in the world," said Maradona. "They have a great coach (Carlos Alberto Parreira) and several of the outstanding figures in world football. "It will be very difficult for the rest to beat Brazil." But Maradona also commented that it would not be a surprise if the Verdeamarelos do not clinch the title, warning: "There's no invincible teams. "The 32 nations will get to the pitch with the same goal - to win the title. "Argentina have chances, but they must not fail at key moments." Brazil will play in Group F, alongside Croatia, Australia and Japan, while Argentina line up in Group C with the Ivory Coast, Serbia & Montenegro and Holland. end
Now if you think thats just an opinion...here what mathematics says about Brazil...
Why Brazil will Win the World Cup in 2006
A short extract from “Uncertainty & Expectation – Strategies for Trading Risk”
by Gerald Ashley, published by John Wiley & Sons in April 2003.
At the time of writing this book Brazil have recently won the 2002 World Cup, which is exactly what was expected. Why, because they were the favourites? Well no actually they weren’t, in fact there were many other much more fancied teams, but all of these crashed out of the competition fairly early on. But of course Brazil were bound to win the cup; it was in the numbers. What? Well in the few weeks leading up to the competition in the Far East, somebody noticed the following little relationship:
Brazil had previously won the World Cup in 1994, and before that in 1970. If you add 1994 to 1970 you have a total of 3964.
Argentina won the World Cup last in 1986, and before that in 1978. If you add 1986 to 1978 you have a total of 3964.
Germany last won the World Cup in 1990, and before that in 1974. Yes if you add those numbers together you once again get 3964.
Now for the clever (dare one say predictive) part. Applying this formula (which has been right three times before) we can take the total of 3964, deduct 2002 for this year’s competition, and get the answer 1962. Clearly whoever were champions in 1962 would win in 2002. Well Brazil won in 1962 and of course did so again this time! Readers who wish to place an early bet on the 2006 championship will realise that by applying the same formula the winners in 2006 should be the former 1958 champions – who were, yes you guessed it Brazil!
Now...here's what the host country thinks...
Poll: Germans believe Brazil will win World Cup
AP
Friday, June 02, 2006
BERLIN, Germay (AP) - Most German fans believe Brazil - not host Germany - will win the World Cup.
Fifty-four per cent predict the Brazilians will retain the title, while only 10 per cent think Germany will lift the trophy, according to a poll released yesterday by ARD television.
The survey of 1,000 Germans, conducted Monday and Tuesday, found 21 per cent believe Germany will reach the final.
However, 14 per cent expect Germany to go out in the first round, as they did at the 2004 European Championship in Portugal.
Now this is what i think...
It's very simple...it's a national obsession and this includes its players...which is probably why the game caomes to them so naturally..
but more importantly in strike options...if it's not ronaldo..it's ronaldinho...if it's not ronaldinho...it's adriano...if it's not adriano its kaka...if it's not kaka it's robinho...
and to defend...
we have cafu,he's the most experienced player and his accolades speak for himsef - His ambition is to be the only player to have played in 4 World cup (he has already 2 winners and one finalist medal) finals.
we have roberto carlos...what can i say about him..except he is a legeand and even at 33 jose mourinho still wants him to build on team chelsea...he is the best in his position and who could forget those free kicks
we have Lucio...The Bayern defender has become the most reliable member of Brazil’s defence ensuring him a start in the first 11.
we have ...A ver good club season and some excellent performances in the gold and green shirt will ensure Juan makes the team.
and if thats not enough...just look at our back up options...Cicinho, Cris, Luisao, Daniel Alves, Gilberto, Serginho, Roque Junior...
And just to add-on to that list...to make up for those few spaces left on the midfield...here's just some of brazil's options...*drool*
Emerson - Juventus midfielder is essential to squad players. Reliable, solid and strong. Parreira trusts him.
Ze Roberto - Left sided midfielder for Bayern Munich, Parreira however prefers him in holding role in the centre
Gilberto Silva - His great form has taken Arsenal to the champions league final. Parrera seems to like what Gilberto can offer and will make the squad if not the starting 11.
Juninho Pernambucano - The world best free kick taker? May not make the starting 11 but will be in the squad to be used as a substitute for Ronaldinho and Kaka in the Brazilian attack.
Julio Baptista - Last played for Brazil in October 2005, but his versatility could enable him to find the eyes of the Coach
lets also not forget..Dida...brazil's Dada!
Now..i know most of you think...it's going to be a clash of egos's etc...but there's a clear line of heirachy/respect between the players...based on their experience...some of them have been mentors/role models to the others...also your can't forget..the coach - Carlos Alberto Parreira ... the one of only two coaches that has led four country's teams to the World Cup: Kuwait in 1982, United Arab Emirates in 1990, Brazil in 1994, and Saudi Arabia in 1998.
So all i can say to the critics out here ...is get real... if it were just down to battle of the egos .. than england would be down in doldrums...so lets just all concede to the fact that Brazil is the 2006 FIFA World Cup's reality!
We first stary with second best footballer in history...(first has to be Pele)
Maradona Tips Brazil
Mon 27 Feb, 6:09 PM
RIO DE JANEIRO, February 27 (World Cup) - Argentina legend Diego Maradona believes Brazil are favourites to triumph at this summer's World Cup. The 1986 World Cup winner also insists his own nation are among the contenders, but has warned them to guard against mistakes. "Brazil are the favourites to win in Germany, because they have one of the best national teams in the world," said Maradona. "They have a great coach (Carlos Alberto Parreira) and several of the outstanding figures in world football. "It will be very difficult for the rest to beat Brazil." But Maradona also commented that it would not be a surprise if the Verdeamarelos do not clinch the title, warning: "There's no invincible teams. "The 32 nations will get to the pitch with the same goal - to win the title. "Argentina have chances, but they must not fail at key moments." Brazil will play in Group F, alongside Croatia, Australia and Japan, while Argentina line up in Group C with the Ivory Coast, Serbia & Montenegro and Holland. end
Now if you think thats just an opinion...here what mathematics says about Brazil...
Why Brazil will Win the World Cup in 2006
A short extract from “Uncertainty & Expectation – Strategies for Trading Risk”
by Gerald Ashley, published by John Wiley & Sons in April 2003.
At the time of writing this book Brazil have recently won the 2002 World Cup, which is exactly what was expected. Why, because they were the favourites? Well no actually they weren’t, in fact there were many other much more fancied teams, but all of these crashed out of the competition fairly early on. But of course Brazil were bound to win the cup; it was in the numbers. What? Well in the few weeks leading up to the competition in the Far East, somebody noticed the following little relationship:
Brazil had previously won the World Cup in 1994, and before that in 1970. If you add 1994 to 1970 you have a total of 3964.
Argentina won the World Cup last in 1986, and before that in 1978. If you add 1986 to 1978 you have a total of 3964.
Germany last won the World Cup in 1990, and before that in 1974. Yes if you add those numbers together you once again get 3964.
Now for the clever (dare one say predictive) part. Applying this formula (which has been right three times before) we can take the total of 3964, deduct 2002 for this year’s competition, and get the answer 1962. Clearly whoever were champions in 1962 would win in 2002. Well Brazil won in 1962 and of course did so again this time! Readers who wish to place an early bet on the 2006 championship will realise that by applying the same formula the winners in 2006 should be the former 1958 champions – who were, yes you guessed it Brazil!
Now...here's what the host country thinks...
Poll: Germans believe Brazil will win World Cup
AP
Friday, June 02, 2006
BERLIN, Germay (AP) - Most German fans believe Brazil - not host Germany - will win the World Cup.
Fifty-four per cent predict the Brazilians will retain the title, while only 10 per cent think Germany will lift the trophy, according to a poll released yesterday by ARD television.
The survey of 1,000 Germans, conducted Monday and Tuesday, found 21 per cent believe Germany will reach the final.
However, 14 per cent expect Germany to go out in the first round, as they did at the 2004 European Championship in Portugal.
Now this is what i think...
It's very simple...it's a national obsession and this includes its players...which is probably why the game caomes to them so naturally..
but more importantly in strike options...if it's not ronaldo..it's ronaldinho...if it's not ronaldinho...it's adriano...if it's not adriano its kaka...if it's not kaka it's robinho...
and to defend...
we have cafu,he's the most experienced player and his accolades speak for himsef - His ambition is to be the only player to have played in 4 World cup (he has already 2 winners and one finalist medal) finals.
we have roberto carlos...what can i say about him..except he is a legeand and even at 33 jose mourinho still wants him to build on team chelsea...he is the best in his position and who could forget those free kicks
we have Lucio...The Bayern defender has become the most reliable member of Brazil’s defence ensuring him a start in the first 11.
we have ...A ver good club season and some excellent performances in the gold and green shirt will ensure Juan makes the team.
and if thats not enough...just look at our back up options...Cicinho, Cris, Luisao, Daniel Alves, Gilberto, Serginho, Roque Junior...
And just to add-on to that list...to make up for those few spaces left on the midfield...here's just some of brazil's options...*drool*
Emerson - Juventus midfielder is essential to squad players. Reliable, solid and strong. Parreira trusts him.
Ze Roberto - Left sided midfielder for Bayern Munich, Parreira however prefers him in holding role in the centre
Gilberto Silva - His great form has taken Arsenal to the champions league final. Parrera seems to like what Gilberto can offer and will make the squad if not the starting 11.
Juninho Pernambucano - The world best free kick taker? May not make the starting 11 but will be in the squad to be used as a substitute for Ronaldinho and Kaka in the Brazilian attack.
Julio Baptista - Last played for Brazil in October 2005, but his versatility could enable him to find the eyes of the Coach
lets also not forget..Dida...brazil's Dada!
Now..i know most of you think...it's going to be a clash of egos's etc...but there's a clear line of heirachy/respect between the players...based on their experience...some of them have been mentors/role models to the others...also your can't forget..the coach - Carlos Alberto Parreira ... the one of only two coaches that has led four country's teams to the World Cup: Kuwait in 1982, United Arab Emirates in 1990, Brazil in 1994, and Saudi Arabia in 1998.
So all i can say to the critics out here ...is get real... if it were just down to battle of the egos .. than england would be down in doldrums...so lets just all concede to the fact that Brazil is the 2006 FIFA World Cup's reality!
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