French connection

In 1998, you can thank Jean Marie Le Pen for that win, France won because France needed to be unified. The same story has come back to regale us. France needed this win. Soccer brings all of France together. Riots have riven French society into dangerous silos. This win will bring all of France back together. Contrary to popular belief, it's not just talent and sport that drives sport. It's not for nothing that people say sport is one of the greatest shows on earth. It's about what sport can do for TV ratings. It's about what sport can do for society. It's not just about sport. Good for France that France won the semi-final against Portugal. Portugal got what it needed from this World Cup. And so has France. What's left now is for Italy to do for Italian soccer what Rossi did for them in 1982. Rossi came through a match-fixing scandal with flying colours, and so will this Italian team. (Much like the Indian team did, when it ended Australia's dream run in cricket and made people forget the match-fixing scandal that threatened to turn cricket into a losing business proposition.) Italy will outclass France in the final. And it won't, only, be because they're a better team. Time now, for an Italian con job. Of course, not for a minute am I suggesting it's all 'managed'. Why spoil the fun? Why look for the truth, when spin is so much more fun to go with.

How the mighty have fallen

Parreira, who won the World Cup in 1994 with a much less talented squad, admitted "something" was lacking from the team on Saturday. They played, "without a tactical plan, without moves, without standards, without attack, without colour, without heat, without zeal. Without grace, without life, without happiness, without personality, without identity," wrote Fernando Calazans. "Without the Brazilian way of playing at all."

God save the Queen

"Be careful with Rooney. I don't need him, but you do." And so, with that valedictory warning, England's first and perhaps last foreign coach ended an era, supervised by himself and Beckham, in which football and celebrity became locked in a steamy but ultimately unconsummated embrace.

Zen mastered

While Henry ran off into goalscoring glory, followed by the majority of his team-mates, the old maestro smiled to himself. Patrick Vieira, his vice captain, ran over to engulf him. The legend lives on and on.

Expert's comments

Tips for budding commentators: 1) Don't start to speak for at least five seconds after a national anthem. It might not be over. 2) Never say 'There are bound to be goals in this one', unless you've backed the goalless draw. 3) Don't ask Dutch commentators for Dutch player pronunciations. They will just cover you with saliva. 4) Always have something to say over a close-up of Franz Beckenbauer. You will definitely get one. 5) Don't mention the war.

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.

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...

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?

Espana!

4-0 to Spain!!! I am on cloud nine!!!
Vamos Spain!

Enough said.

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?

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.

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!

Why women should be paid more

The current thinking is that the men and women who play the game should be paid the same amount of prize money. The women say it's time the inequality in levels of prize money paid out to men and women must go. They say the differential is a throwback to the bad old days. They say it reeks of the time when Billie Jean King (Miss) beat the then MCP of tennis Bobby Riggs in a battle of the sexes. But forget all that. Why were women paid less? Was it because the effort involved for women to play was less? Not really. Because, proportionately speaking, the burden of tennis on the human body is just as damaging for men and women. Women have less strength and so less takes more out of them. Men are physically stronger and so they can exert more. Does that mean men should be paid more? I think the question is best answered if one looks at which is more popular: Men's tennis or women's tennis. If women's tennis makes more money, then the women should be paid more. Sport today, more than ever, is driven by economics and sponsorship. What the actors get paid is a function of how much the game they're playing is making. So, should the women be paid as much as the men? If you ask me, I prefer watching women's tennis and, in my book, that's a good enough reason for them to be paid, not just as much, but more.

Quoterie # 20

"It really surprises me - you are so consistent and I'm not" Sachin Tendulkar, on his 33rd birthday, thanks mediapersons for their unwavering love and affection. Such candour, such disarming innocence and yet he wonders why we so love him. (Sniff.)

No comment

From Spin Punch by Dilip Doshi: The Indian team, he says, had a "one-track obsession" with money that he found `quite disgusting'. The BCCI, meanwhile, was "a government within a government, almost totally not accountable to anyone". Doshi was, in his own account, a man apart. He reports that he declined the opportunity to write a newspaper column because it would `bring out into the open what were essentially confidences'; he thought throughout his career that advertising and endorsements were "totally out of hand". He even recalls a team meeting before the first one-day international in India where the conversation was entirely devoted to sponsorship, prize money, logo royalties and match fees: "Cricket was discussed only as an afterthought".

Quoterie # 18

"Frankly, I don't think they can demand for us to kick the ball out because there was no free-kick and the action goes on until the ball goes out" Arsene Wenger after Arsenal scored from a throw-in that should have been returned to Sheffield United in the 2003 FA Cup semi-final. Which is very different, you see.

Quoterie # 17

"It is whether you think something is fair or unfair. You expect to get the ball back there. If that's the way they want to behave, then that is their responsibility, but I don't agree with that. I don't agree with it and if football goes that way it becomes very petty" Arsene Wenger vents his spleen after Spurs scored while Gilberto Silva and Emmanuel Eboue were untangling themselves after a collision during the north London derby on Saturday.

Lagi bet # 3

India will lose to the Windies in the ODIs and win the test series. Go ahead, place your bets. Just make sure you do while the match fixing committee is looking the other way, which is most of the time.

Quoterie # 14

"There's only one possibility (to continue as coach). You have to be world champion. I have never seen a coach fail to win the World Cup and stay on here in Brazil." Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira putting more pressure on himself before the 2006 world cup. As if being coach of the Brazillian soccer team isn't pressure enough.

Ranking does not matter!

Then why have rankings? How can rankings not matter? If rankings do not matter, why play professionally? If rankings do not matter, don't tell me we excel for the sake of excellence. Actually, excellence, probably, does not matter. Only ranking does. Thanks to rankings, there is an attempt to work towards excellence. Without rankings, there would be no incentive to excel. Therefore Mr. Dhoni, rankings do matter. They better matter. Because when something doesn't matter, it's that much easier to not see it going to your head.