World Cup South Africa » World Cup Soccer

The Nigerian Kids Can Play

Football — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:55:06 +0000

Going into youth tournaments, Nigeria is often considered one of the powerhouses, while also having their birth certificates considered very suspicious. The two aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive…

So they set about proving people wrong by both demolishing Croatia, amidst this epic strike from Terna Suswam, and then setting down for what seemed like it was going to be a child’s game of Duck, Duck, Goose before it was rudely interrupted.

See. Good and young.

It Appears Spain Is Just Better Than Everyone Else

Football — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 20:55:05 +0000

So we know Spain as a nation is running through an extraordinary period of domination, and we also know that there appears to be little let-up for the rest of the poor world, as their youth teams are simply excellent. How excellent? Well they just won the u19 Euros today, defeating the Czech Republic. That puts their current trophy haul at…

World Cup
European Championships
u21 Euros
u19 Euros

And they’re considered the favorites in the current u20 World Cup. It appears all they have left to do is master that pesky u17 business.

Uruguay Takes Care Of Business, While Diego Lugano Takes Care Of The Evidence

Football — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:44:07 +0000

Two things could’ve happened had Paraguay reigned victorious at the Copa America, making them something of a fan favorite:

i. Won the tournament without actually awinning a game to get there (5 games, 3 draws, 2 PK wins).
ii. Larissa Riquelme would streak in the nude, which seems redundant (not streaking in the nude, but Larissa Riquelme being nude).

However, the former is a bit less than ideal from a standpoint which considers the integrity and validity of the competition, while the latter is rendered moot by Google Images, if a bit less jiggly.

Plus Uruguay is, you know, seriously good and deserving champions – the Suarez/Forlan strike duo really is just the business.

However, the best was truly saved for last, when the “fair play” trophy was handed to none other than Diego Lugano. Yes, that Diego Lugano. An award for the Uruguayan team, nonetheless…

The look on his face says it all, really.

Diego knows where the bodies are buried.

Fun With Postgames At The Copa America

Football — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:33:05 +0000

The Copa America, while a fascinating study in the underdog, has sort of gone off without yet having a single defining moment, if Fernando Muslera’s double save and Brazil’s complete penalty implosion are inching ever closer.

Thankfully, Paraguay and Venezuela fixed that nicely by closing out the former’s penalty win in the semifinal with a nice, big postgame brawl.

Suddenly feels like everything’s back to normal.

Polkraine 2012 Has Great Potential

Football — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 16:33:08 +0000

Does the trophy typically require protection with semi-automatic weapons?

One would think normally it would not.

There’s No Place Like South America

Football — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:55:07 +0000

So as wonderful as the Women’s World Cup has been, the Copa America has been just epic from the standpoint of a simple question: “Who?”

Was anyone expecting that much the summer after a full Euro season + World Cup year? Nay. Gaslights are all on, have been on, and the needles are about to break off. However, what’s happened is nonetheless astonishing: Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela.

On paper, that should read as the list of teams which have been knocked out before the semis. But no, those are the semifinalists.

They should rename this thing The Great Choke-Off of 2011.

Brazil, Argentina, Chile. All gone, all out. The biggest culprit is Argentina, as the tournament is at home, but Brazil’s fancy tricks with no execution isn’t far behind. All skill, no teams.

In fact, Brazil put on one of the worst penalty showings in the long history of watching football these eyes have ever seen, but the true hero is Nando Muslera, who displayed arguably the greatest save of the year, and you’re a liar, liar, pants on fire if you were watching this game and didn’t leap from your seat in utter disbelief after watching this double walk-on-water.

And thus we were left with the Copa Cinderella 2011. Anyone who put their hard-earned on Uruguay before the tournament should be feeling pretty damn good about themselves at this point.

Everybody’s A Bit Japanese Today

Football — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:44:05 +0000

Hope Solo was battered and bruised, but that doesn’t matter when you can’t hit your penalties and you’re going up against the power of flower anyway. Or perhaps radioactively-enhanced athletes. (Good short-term, bad long?)

Japan, as everyone has heard, has won the Women’s World Cup, and it’s a bit of a big deal for them, proving that heart and good juju in the face of national crisis and adversity can bring home titles and fans, as the world – especially America – applauds.

So does this mean the DRC is going to win the 2014 World Cup?

Lionel Takes On Costa Rica

Football — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 05:11:05 +0000

There’s no reason to go crazy over Leo running riot over Costa Rica, as he is one of the best with a ball at his feet, well, ever, thus he should play rather well, but there’s no reason not to appreciate a genius at work.

And he certainly got down to business on Monday evening in Argentina’s must-win. The boy can play.

Erika Embarks On Paranormal Activity

Football — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:22:05 +0000

At least in the more vague sense of the definition, this has little real world explanation at this moment in time.

Erika found herself injured in the closing – or so we thought – stages of the Brazil v US game yesterday as the ladies in yellow were clinging to the lead. (Didn’t work out so well.)

And while you want to believe there was possibly a genuine injury in there, somewhere, the whole thing does look rather…suspicious.

Horrible Miss, Murder In The Second Degree

Football — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:00:10 +0000

Despite their glittering roster and home support, Argentina hasn’t given us a tremendous amount to be wowed by during this summer’s brief Copa America run.

Colombia’s Dayro Moreno took care of entertaining us with his inability to hit a sitter, but it was Nicolas Burdisso, who makes a bull in a china shop seem to have the steady-handed tranquility of a brain surgeon, enthralled us with yet another act of homicide in the box.

Here’s to playing advantage. Or ever handing out a red card.

Women’s World Cup Top Drawer In Fan Relations

Football — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:55:05 +0000

Having not noticed too much shirt swapping at the end of the Women’s World Cup, this is a nice treat for those who like to immerse themselves in all facets of the beautiful game. Including the less-clothed ones. (That’s you too, ladies.)

Swedish lass Josefine Öqvist found time after the game to not only converse with a fan, but take her shirt off for him.

Isn’t it supposed to be the other way ’round?

Perspective Is Everything

Football — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 14:33:08 +0000

Taking the correct angle in photography can lead to good photographs; taking incorrect angles in photography can lead to great photographs.

It’s just too bad it wasn’t Pato or Ganso so that we could have a rousing discussion on fauna.

Exceedingly popular boy, this Neymar.

The US Women’s World Cup team also took an angle which could possibly, just possibly, be misconstrued.

And then ESPN put it on the front page.

Getting A Handle On The Women’s World Cup

Football — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:44:05 +0000

Bringing further awareness to the Women’s World Cup, in more clothed, if less ideal, ways, is yesterday’s match between Equatorial Guinea and Australia in which, yes, this is probably the most egregious non-call in the history of the World Cup for either gender, and even the Hermaphrodite World Cup. Which undoubtedly exists. Somewhere.

Took two watches to notice just what exactly happened – or rather didn’t happen – and it’s just as bad as they all say it is.

Thankfully, both Australia and the general viewing public won out in the end.

French Ladies Go Au Natural For Attendance

Football — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 13:33:07 +0000

Upon hearing the news that a gaggle of French females from the Les Bleus Women’s World Cup team posed in the buff for a magazine spread, one word should come to mind:

Bild.

And you would, of course, be correct. Three of the French ladies posed nude for the German beacon of couth – though without anything really showing – in order to “bring awareness to their sport”. They probably did it for free, too.

Somewhat NSFW post-jump.

The caption read: “Is this how we should show up before you come to our games?”

Let’s be honest…

It would help attendance figures, yes.

Prepping For The Copa America

Football — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:22:05 +0000

Without speaking a lick of the language, it’s painfully obvious why this clip from Argentinean broadcaster TyC has garnered such popularity on the YouTube. Because despite the linguistic roadblock, there’s this sudden urge to watch some Copa America. Right now.

Luckily, it will only be a few hours time on YouTube’s Live Streaming Copa America channel, among others.

Messi & Co. take on Bolivia at home in Argentina tonight in the opener. The last time these two played, Diego’s duds were thrashed 6-1 at altitude.

Perhaps a spot of revenge is on order.

There Apparently Is Crying In Women’s Football – From Men

Football — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:55:08 +0000

There is to be an eternal debate on what is actually the worst miss, sitter or otherwise, in football history, but there is to be little debate on just what is the worst, most hilarious reaction to a missed goal in history:

That guy.

The goals of Equitorial Guinea are apparently very important to him – let’s hope he’s not a River Plate fan too.

[SBNation]

Women’s World Cup: It’s A(n Underwater) Jungle Out There

Football — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:44:11 +0000

Paul the Octopus, while nice, created something of a problem:

Wherever there is money to be made, marketing potential to be achieved and publicity to be Houdini’d out of midair, advantage shall be taken. Give ‘em a foot, take 20,000 leagues or so.

The Women’s World Cup is in Germany this year, once the home to Paul the ‘Pus. You can absolutely see where this is going.

Eight octopi have been tasked with proving/disproving the presence of medium capabilities in mollusks. Or perhaps proving extraordinary luck is capable by even those who taste delicious with a nice tartar sauce.

A German aquarium’s new octopus oracle has gone out on one of her eight limbs by choosing underdog Canada to beat Germany in the opening match of the Women’s World Cup on Sunday.

Octopi at Sea Life’s seven other German aquaria were divided in their picks for Sunday’s match: Three chose Germany, one other took Canada and three made no choice at all.

The octopus with the most correct choices at the end of the nearly monthlong tournament will be anointed the next “official” oracle.

As someone who hasn’t seen a single female game in their lifetime, this can be said:

This mollusk is an idiot. The chances Canada beats Germany, by all accounts the supreme power and playing at home, are about the same a Mesut Ozil with a decent tuck job is allowed to score two by the half.

Not happenin’.

Also: there is an oracle elephant. Which supposedly chose Germany, despite the mass of confusion fluttering about my brain at this very moment.

Copa America Markets Itself With Cartoons

Football — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:00:07 +0000

The battle for South American supremacy will likely come down to a matter of two: Argentina and Brazil. The two don’t quite like each other, if you hadn’t noticed, thus escalating matters quite a bit. To the point where the tournament itself is being marketed as a watered down version of Tom & Jerry or Wil E. Coyote and the Roadrunner, constantly doing battle in cartoon, across (very brief) four episodes thus far. And Argentina seems a bit…aggressive.

Expectations for this tournament suddenly increase.

Copa America Goes To YouTube

Football — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 17:44:06 +0000

The despite the emptiness and hollow being of having to traverse the rolling hills of the summer sans a World Cup or European Championships, there are a number of tournaments going on, including the Women’s World Cup, u17 World Cup, u21 European Champions and, of course, the ~~pseudo-tournament of several formalities before Brazil & Argentina inevitably play each other in a one-off trophy game~~ Copa America.

So there is ample football to be viewed, and YouTube is doing their part as well, offering up the Copa America to be streamed – the whole thing. Presumably with rubbish commentary, but we musn’t be greedy.

YouTube, which began live-streaming Indian Premier League cricket matches last year, announced Wednesday that it will show all 26 matches in next month’s Copa America.

YouTube said matches from the Copa America, which begins on July 1 and is being held in Argentina, will be live-streamed at youtube.com/copaamerica and available in more than 50 countries around the world.

“Fans will have access to all 26 matches including pool play, semi-finals, quarter-finals and the championship match, live streaming as they happen with exclusive-to-YouTube commentary,” YouTube said in a blog post

So does this mean Messi will be on YouTube?

That’s new.

Germany Tells Michael Ballack He’s Surplus To Requirements

Football — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 13:33:07 +0000

There are things which are done and things which are not done.

Informing Michael Ballack that he is retired not of his own choosing seems like it’d fall into the latter category. But oh, they did it.

Jogi Loew & Co. announced that Mr. Ballack was no longer in consideration for a spot in the national team. Presumably without asking for or receiving his thumbs up beforehand.

Now, Ballack doesn’t seem like a homicidal maniac, but he is certainly a strong character and though he hasn’t played for quite some time, and was removed as captain by this move effectively – and done so while sitting on 98 caps.

How ruthless. There is every chance this does not go well.

“The past months have shown that many young players are brought into focus and have good prospects. With them developing the national team since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the run [has been] completely positive,” the 51-year-old is quoted as saying on Bayer Leverkusen’s website.

“After I had discussed this issue with Michael Ballack at our last meeting in late March 2011, together in the open and then we talked on the phone several times, [we] have now taken a clear position before the start of the season.

“In our conversations, I had the impression that Michael definitely understands our vision. Therefore in everyone’s interest [there] is now an honest and clear decision attached,” he continued.

But did they let Philipp Lahm tell him the news first?

Somehow Hating FIFA More

Football — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:33:15 +0000

The overwhelming issue with FIFA is they suck. Tis the official diagnostic abstract, and undoubtedly accepted by scholars and leading men alike – Henry Kissinger too – across the globe. In fact, FIFA sucking any more would seem akin to Xavi misplacing a pass – just impossible.

And yet, somehow they’ve found a means through which we can all hate them a little bit more:

Increasing international friendly dates.

Now, it’s important to note I like international football of importance a great deal more than club football at any level, if partly due to the rare nature of its occurrence. Not simply major tournaments, but important qualifiers too and occasionally the big friendly.

But friendlies, by nature, are ridiculous. They are partially beneficial to the countries and were we to assume this is about improving the quality of the int’l game, it’d be understandable, but it’s not. It surely is, as with all FIFA does, all about the Benjamins/Swiss francs.

Yet they’re a huge time suck and player fatigue is seemingly issue enough without introducing further marathons per month.

So FIFA. One poor decision after another.

Fifa faces fresh conflict with Europe’s leading clubs over plans to introduce five more international friendly dates into the already crowded football calendar.

The world governing body is understood to have held internal discussions on the insertion of five extra friendly matches into seasons when World Cups and European Championships do not take place. It would raise the total number of international dates from 12 to 17.

There’s every chance club v country could become World War III.

It’s just too bad Maradona isn’t still an international coach – he might be able to hit a 1000 different players with a cap within a calendar year.

Men Are From Mars, Like Women’s Football More

Football — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:33:06 +0000

Shocking revelations unearthed from the bowels of the German interwebs:

Men like football more than women. (!)

Well, that’s sort of a foregone conclusion which requires a definitive scientific study as much as the lower reaches of calcio or Lance Armstrong’s B sample. But it’s true – men like both men’s football and women’s football more, as they’re much more excited for the Women’s World Cup than the women.

Is this big news? Probably not. Is it news? Perhaps.

Is it beneficial to German marketing companies? Absolutely.

Sixty-three percent of men surveyed are looking forward to the event from June 26 to July 17 compared to 43 percent of women, according to the poll conducted by German weekly Die Zeit.

Sixty percent of men thought women’s football was attractive, compared to just 45 percent of women.

Around half of both sexes thought the event would be as successful as the men’s World Cup in Germany in 2006, the poll showed.

Well, it clearly can’t be successful, as Italy’s not even invited (slight bias), so that’s just wrong. However…

I wonder why they find it more attractive.

Odd choice of words, that.

Men Are From Mars, Like Women’s Football More

Football — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:22:07 +0000

Shocking revelations unearthed from the bowels of the German interwebs:

Men like football more than women. (!)

Is it beneficial to German marketing companies? Absolutely.

Sixty-three percent of men surveyed are looking forward to the event from June 26 to July 17 compared to 43 percent of women, according to the poll conducted by German weekly Die Zeit.

Sixty percent of men thought women’s football was attractive, compared to just 45 percent of women.

Around half of both sexes thought the event would be as successful as the men’s World Cup in Germany in 2006, the poll showed.

Well, it clearly can’t be successful, as Italy’s not even invited (slight bias), so that’s just wrong. However…

I wonder why they find it more attractive.

Odd choice of words, that.

The United States Learns About Bad Decisions

Football — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:22:06 +0000

This is the very reason YouTube, possibly the world, exists. Though if you can watch past the one minute mark, that may signal a shriek for psychological help.

Apparently the United States national team made a video before their trek to Italia ‘90, in which it’s proclaimed “I never lose because I’m a champion”. Which is funny, because they lost three of three in the peninsula.

More of the same truth in rap lyrics, it appears.

[Guardian]

Qatar 2022: Cloudy With A Chance Of Shade

Football — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:55:13 +0000

I remember, way back when I was little, making “clouds” in school for a science experiment.

They didn’t cost $500,000 a puff. Very little does, unless an anti-doping agency is knocking for the ominous post-game pee test.

Of course, they weren’t trying to save a World Cup, either, which is what Qatari scientists have offered as yet another solution to the oppressive summer heat in the Middle East’s summer. Real, traditional football, fake clouds.

Qatar officials say they will air condition the stadiums via solar power and now scientists at Qatar University have designed the “cloud”, which can be produced at a cost of $500,000 (£309,000) each.

Saud Abdul Ghani, the head of the mechanical and industrial engineering department, told Gulf News the “clouds” are made from a lightweight carbon structure carrying a giant envelope of material containing helium gas. Four solar powered engines move the structure via remote control.

The supposed structure:

Now cue another epic, possibly corrupt, bidding process for the rights to man the coolest (apologies) remote controlled object in all the land.

The good money’s on Zizou: skilled technician, great vision of space, lots of fancy pirouettes with which to thrill the crowd, and he’s already in tight with the Qatari World Cup team.

Being on the payroll already probably doesn’t hurt either.

Life Lessons: Sit Down, Shut Up, Behave

Football — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 19:33:12 +0000

Back in the fall, some Serbian hooligans caused a ruckus at the Marassi in Genoa where the Serbian and Italian national teams were to embark on one of the better fixtures during Euro 2012. And it really should’ve been one of the best games, if only on paper, during qualifying. Which is probably why said hooligans were given such stiff penalties for the troubles they caused on that day.

This on top of the 3-0 victory handed to Italy for showing up, watching some flares and handing their shirts into the crowd.

So that makes the Faroe Islands and Serbian hooligans the only things which can ship three goals to Italy.

Ivan Bogdanov, who earned the nickname Ivan the Terrible, was the figurehead at Marassi during the match that was called off on October 12.

Serb hooligans were determined to stop the game going ahead and invaded the team bus before kick-off, then threw fireworks and broke down barriers in the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

The tribunal in Genoa today passed a sentence of three years and three months for Bogdanov, plus Nikola Klickovis got three years, Daniel Ianic two years and eight months, while Srdan Iovetic’s sentence was two years and six months. However, due to the notoriously complex Italian justice system, it is unclear how much real jail time they will have.

‘Ivan the Terrible’ seems a little strong; seems like ‘Ivan the Extraordinary Inconvenience’ or something more mild.

But is this not enough warning for those in Italian stadiums to behave? The next game inside the peninsula should look like A Putting Green: The Opera.

Karl Lagerfeld Does Les Bleus

Football — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:44:08 +0000

France released their first away shirt in this Nike era via photo done by fashion maestro Karl Lagerfeld.

And it is a painfully, painfully good looking shirt – it’s a wonder they didn’t drop adidas decades ago.

[So Foot]

As You Were, Says FIFA

Football — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:44:12 +0000

FIFA rolled out the changes in typical FIFA fashion today: there are none.

The possibility for a shuffle of allocated spots at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil was opened to the floor and CONCACAF, led by the all-powerful Jack Warner, steamed into town requesting another spot at the expense of…someone. Likely Africa.

No such luck.

What’s astounding isn’t the fact that there are no change, but rather that a group led by Jack Warner within the confines of FIFA wanted something and yet didn’t get it.

Charting new waters here.

The usual suspects:

Europe will keep its 13 places—considered too many by some observers—while Africa will have five, Asia 4.5, CONCACAF 3.5 and Oceania 0.5. South American will have 4.5 places, not including Brazil.

Based on footballing clout alone, not nations/federations or population, it’s rather staggering to think Africa has more World Cup spots than South America, isn’t it?

Sounds like they have a much bigger gripe than CONCACAF.

Polkraine 2012: Standing Atop Special Stands

Football — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 20:33:12 +0000

Of all the many things accounted for in the bid for Polkraine 2012, they probably didn’t include having to consider, or being asked for, a stand exclusively for gay and lesbian football fans.

That’s changing. A movement of sorts has erupted in Poland to allow a gay fan club their own special stand at Polkraine 2012.

But other gay rights activists criticized the proposal Wednesday, saying it would single gay fans out and put them at greater risk.

Teczowa Trybuna 2012, or Rainbow Stand 2012, calls itself the first gay fan club for Poland’s national team. It says on its website that its members fear aggression from other fans and want to feel safe during the championship in Poland and neighboring Ukraine.

“During trips to matches of our beloved clubs … we unfortunately are often faced with unpleasantness, harassment and violence from the ‘real’ fans,” it said. “We dream of being able to relax in the stands—we can’t imagine not being at the Euro 2012 matches, which will be held in our country!”

Hardly the biggest story to come out of building up to Polkraine 2012 – that belongs to those unfounded rumbling which precede every major tournament: will it happen? – but it’s certainly one of the more intriguing ones. There are points to each side, but the chances that it happens are ultimately slim – the precedent would be too great and possibly too easily manipulated in the future. First sexual orientation, then religion, then milk preference (1%, skim, whole, etc). Where would it all end?

Very unfortunate they think it necessary, though.

Ronaldo Given Fish In A Barrel For His Selecao Sendoff

Football — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:11:11 +0000

Ask and you shall receive.

Well, so long as you’re one of the greatest players to have ever graced a football pitch with your otherworldly abilities.

Ronaldo asked the Brazilian federation for a sendoff friendly with the Selecao, and they have obliged with one of the most lopsided games in football history: the 2002 World Cup-winning Brazilian side versus a gaggle of local Chechnyans, including the President.

Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team will play a friendly next month in the formerly wartorn Russian province of Chechnya, a local official said Wednesday.

Chechnya’s government website cited sports minister Haidar Alkhanov as saying Kaka, Ronaldinho and the recently retired Ronaldo are likely to feature in the March 10 match. Chechnya president Ramzan Kadyrov will captain a team comprising local players.

There was no word of confirmation from Brazilian officials, but if the match goes ahead it will be the third major football coup in a month for Russia’s poverty-stricken Caucasus region, which is better known for separatist violence than sport.

(It should be noted those ‘local’ players may actually be Russian Premier League side Terek Grozny; not quite as lopsided, but still wouldn’t keep anything on the table.)

No word if he’ll be bringing back that fly hair for the occasion, but it should be absolute mandatory. That and an over/under in triple figures.

Domenech Talks: It’s His Fault That It Was Everyone Else’s Fault

Football — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:11:10 +0000

The last we saw of Raymond Domenech, he was immersed in a witness protection program masquerading as some sort of poker crash course. Now that the money’s dried up from that little venture, he’s back for more cash with his very first exclusive post-World Cup meltdown interview to be released amidst pomp and several forms of circumstance tomorrow. Excerpts are available, and they’ve hooked the public with juicy nuggets in typical Raymond fashion – mostly name-calling and the pointing of unemployed fingers.

Raymond:

“Everyone is talking instead of me,” he said in extracts that appeared on the newspaper’s website. “I want to restore the truth. I’m not the moron that people are describing me as.

“Let’s be clear: I got it wrong, I mustn’t have chosen the right players nor found the words that were needed. I do not accept the criticism of politicians, nor that of former players who have turned to journalism, but that does not prevent me from drawing my own evaluation.”

Describing the day [of the training strike], and his attempts to talk his players around, Domenech said: “It was more than an hour that we had been there. It was really necessary that someone take responsibility and stop that charade. All the cameras were focused on the bus, hundreds of kids were waiting on the sidelines. We were the laughing stock of the world.”

Following the tournament, Evra, Franck Ribéry, Jeremy Toulalan and Eric Abidal took the bulk of the blame – and suspensions – for their role in the incident, but Domenech said all the players acted together.

“If there were any [leaders], I did not see them. Every time I went up [into the bus], there was no one,” he said. “At this point, I told myself that they went crazy and they don’t realise. Now I know I was wrong: they knew very well what they were doing. They even closed the curtains of the bus to hide themselves from cameras. With hindsight, I see them mainly as a bunch of foolhardy brats.

“Above all, I do not want controversy. I have had offers for the theatre, for the cinema … Nothing on TV, no. Honestly, how can we imagine me in a reality television show?” he said.

Is he intimating France’s World Cup 2010 show wasn’t reality TV?

And calling them ‘foolhardy brats’ shouldn’t create any controversy or vitriolic rebuttals flying through press channels. Not at all.

Nothing Spices Up International Friendly Week Like Match-Fixing

Football — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:44:07 +0000

France v Brazil? Portugal v Argentina? Germany v Italy? Bosh. The big game of the international friendly week was found far off in the corner of Antalya, Turkey, where Bulgaria and Estonia scrapped it out to a 2-2 draw. Not your typical marquee friendly, but this wasn’t your typical game.

There were pregame rumblings that the fix was in, and the fact that all four goals came via penalties did nothing to quiet the whispers. Three of the four penalties seemed like perfectly dreadful tackles, with one a foul but starting just outside the box (though we’ve all seen that given as a spot kick many times), but there’s more.

The same agency which set up this friendly also set up Latvia v Bolivia. Three goals, three penalties. (Can’t quite find any highlights.)

In total: 1 agency, 2 friendlies, 7 goals, 7 penalties. No, not suspicious whatsoever.

“The situation becomes even more confusing taking into account the fact that all three goals in the previous match were also scored from penalties.”

Latvia beat Bolivia 2-1 in a friendly in the Mediterranean resort of Antalya just before the Bulgaria-Estonia game. Hungarian referee Krisztian Selmeczi was in charge of both matches.

“We don’t know this referee and we can’t say he acted intentionally when awarding the penalties,” said BFU vice-president Atanas Furnadzhiev. “We’ll inform UEFA and they will probably investigate the match.”

“The friendly was organised by an agency with whom we’ll not work anymore,” Estonia FA spokesman Mihkel Uiboleht told local media.

“We received information of a possible manipulation even before the game as the same agency also organised the match between Latvia and Bolivia and there was the same scenario there.”

Something smells rotten in Antalya.

A Name to Remember: Edson Montaño

Football — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 07:33:08 +0000

The South American U-20 tournament is almost over, with Uruguay and Brazil fighting it out for the tournament win on the last matchday Saturday. Going into the tournament, it was always going to be the Neymar show, and with his seven goals, it hasn’t disappointed there. But there are always more stars than one in a tournament like this, and one who has gotten some attention is Ecuador’s Edson Montaño.

If you’re a football fan looking to put more than your opinion on the line on how the Sub-20 will end up, you could do your sports betting at BetUS. Montaño might be smart bet to score on the final day against Chile, who have conceded nine goals in their last four matches.

Montaño plays his club football at Belgian club KAA Gent, who spotted him at the 2010 COTIF youth tournament and signed him from his boyhood club El Nacional in Ecuador. He’s still finding his feet in Belgium and has only one appearance so far, but his performance in Peru this month may earn him the faith of his club and give him a chance to shine in Europe.

Montaño is tied for second on the tournament high scorer, and has gotten his four goals in clutch moments. To this point, he is Ecuador’s only scorer in the final group stage, and his two goals in the stage have won his country their four points. In the opening match, he blew the tournament wide open and made some friends in Brazil) by scoring the only goal in Ecuador’s 1-0 win over Argentina. And he did it with a header from a corner. Edson Montaño is not a tall man – 5′8″.

In his next match, he could be forgiven for a hero hangover. Instead, down 1-0 to Uruguay in the second half, Montaño scored an equalizer that would hold for a 1-1 draw. In Uruguay’s four final stage matches, this is the only one in which they have dropped points.

In preliminary group A, Montaño’s goal vs. Paraguay was also a game-winner, giving them the points to even qualify to the final stage. Clutch.

–
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No One Can Hit The Goal Anymore

Football — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:22:07 +0000

Hey, look at that – a horrible sitter miss. Quelle surprise.

But doesn’t it appear these have seemed to reach epidemic levels? Someone’s always been banging on about “the worst miss evah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”, yet they’re rarely worthy of such lofty status. Recently, however, I’ve been inclined to agree with a good number – starting with that poor, poor Marlon de Jesus. Yesterday it was Hugo Almeida managing to push the ball closer to the corner flag than the wide open goal mouth; unbelievable realtime, and it’s equally as unbelievable now.

Somewhere, Jonathan Wilson is devising a solid theory as to why the rise of the false nine is destroying the art of punching in punch-ins.

Unfriendly Friendlies: Hernanes Unleashes His Inner de Jong

Football — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 23:22:10 +0000

Brazil’s Hernanes greeted France’s Karim Benzema with a very unkind handshake this evening, that in the form of a Nigel de Jong* to the chest. He was obviously sent off for his unfriendly greeting, landing instant infamy in the land of the YouTube and semi-creative GIFs.

Of course while the tackle was unfriendly, he was given consolation from Jeremy Menez of Roma, archenemy to Hernanes’ Lazio.

See? Even horrendous tackles can bring people together.

* Source: Urban Dictionary.

When you are unexpectedly kicked in the chest by a male or female wearing cleats. Has a tendency to break multiple ribs which then puncture lungs causing internal bleeding and death.

That Guy just got De Jonged!

(Benzema would get his revenge, too.)

David Trezeguet’s ‘98 Shirt Stars In The Score II

Football — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:22:08 +0000

The script reads likea straight-to-video sequel of the Robert De Niro/Edward Norton movie The Score: Customs officials have priceless French artifact in their possession, only they don’t quite know the true identity of what they hold, readying it for destruction.

Only David Trezeguet’s shirt from the 1998 World Cup Final, though valuable, isn’t exactly priceless and this one is missing the elaborate heist aspect in which the artifact is saved from the fire so that it can be stolen.

This one burned. Burned, burned, burned.

Collector: angry. Very, very angry. Because while customs officials thought the shirt was a counterfeit, it wasn’t.

Oliver Demolis bought the shirt from a Brazilian over the internet and had agreed to pay 7,350 euros ($10,030), which he is now trying to claim back through the courts.

“It was a well-known seller and the jersey was official. It was the last piece in my collection,” he told newspaper Le Dauphine. “When I went to get it they told me the shirt had been destroyed by customs because it was counterfeit. I went mad.”

You have to wonder if,

a. by “last piece in my collection” he means the entire France side from that World Cup final. Sounds possible at the very least.

b. and if so, why the hell did he give out his real name? A real life De Niro’s going to be burrowing into his rumpus room in the middle of the night very shortly.

So basically this is The Score II, only this one involves lawyers and tearful memorabilia collectors rather than the staging of an epic heist.

Mercedes Brings Schweinski Back Together

Football — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:44:07 +0000

With all their free time during the international break, Mercedes had the German men’s team film a supportive commercial for the women’s team, hosting the World Cup in the summer. The boys are acting like crazed fans, and Lukas Podolski even has a Pohawk™. During these times of co-mingling footballers, you’d expect even one of Cupid’s arrows to be removed from its quiver, and you’d be right: it hit Schweinski. Again.

And spawned yet another round of creepy slo-mo YouTube montages set to uber-dramatic soundtracks, featuring what appears to be a slightly jealous Thomas Mueller.

The actual making of:

Mercedes Brings Scweinski Back Together

Football — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:22:08 +0000

And spawned yet another round of creepy slo-mo YouTube montages set to uber-dramatic soundtracks, featuring what appears to be a slightly jealous Thomas Mueller.

The actual making of:

Football and the Revolution in Egypt

Football — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:55:17 +0000

While the protests in Egypt have subsided from their peak last week, hardy anti-Mubarak protesters still occupy Tahrir Square in the capital, Cairo. While the world was enraptured with images broadcast by organizations able to avoid the secret police, such as Al-Jazeera, what effect did the protests have on football in the country? Or more importantly, what effect did football have on the protests?

A number of outlets reported that the protesters who engaged in the initial battles with the pro-Mubarak camp were using tactics very similar to those use by Ultra’s for both Al-Ahly and Zamalek.

Football journalist Robert Layne, after watching the protests, noted:

“There were designated rock hurlers, specialists in turning over and torching vehicles for defensive purposes and a machine-like quartermaster crew delivering projectiles like clockwork on cardboard platters.”

While Ahly’s ultra’s almost immediately made clear that they were to remain non-political during the demonstrations, it seems likely that individual or even groups of Ultra’s participated in some way during the demonstrations, and likely still do today.

Moving to the pitch itself, as the violence escalated, a number of Ghanian players currently playing across the top two divisions of Egyptian football desperately sought a way to leave the country, but the Ghanian government now says that they are safe, and have no reason to be fearful. Probably easier to say for the Ghanian government in Accra, but nonetheless surely the scenes in Tahrir were nerve wracking for the players and their families back home.

In terms of the Egyptian domestic game, all matches have been called off, including Zamalek’s African Champions League tie with Kenya’s Ulizni Stars, due to the unrest.

The national team, also scheduled to host the United States in a match which would have been excellent preparation for their March AFCON qualifier against South Africa, has had to cancel the February 9th match after the Americans withdrew.

While the protests seemed to have ebbed somewhat, the situation is far from being resolved, and it will be fascinating to see how football affects, and is effected by, the ongoing revolution. Particularly fascinating will be determining exactly what role ultra’s have had on the final outcome. In a world where many desire for a separation of politics and sport, Egypt shows us that sometimes the two are simply inextricably linked, regardless of rhetoric.

*Egypt WCB Blogger Hany spent days protecting his Cairo home from looters, before he was able to fly to the United States. See his story in the comments section of his most recent article.

FIFA World Rankings – February 2011

Football — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:33:29 +0000

Down goes Africa, Asia takes its place.

Half the battle with rankings is dropping those old results at the right time. For African countries, this was the wrong time, should they put a good deal of stock in their FIFA rankings (one would imagine they do). While Japan and friends were busy duking it out for Asian supremacy, Africa was busy tumbling down the list.

Football’s full of shorter than short memories.

But firstly, your monthly Montenegro watch: nada. Shameless fawning to resume after official games.

Moving on we have Egypt, now rightfully out of the top 10, but taking a massive tumble 23 spots down – just outside the 32, appropriately. AFCON 2008 is losing its weight by the year, in other words, hence Africa’s fall from FIFA’s grace.

Meanwhile Japan is enjoying their current rise, all the way up to the 17th spot, along with similarly scaled leaps from the Asian Cup successes. (Uzbekistan obviously the biggest jumper at 31 spots.)

All this movin’ and shakin’ meant a freed up spot in the top ten with Egypt now all the way down there. The country to assume that lofty status: Greece.

What year is this?

FIFA World Rankings – February 2011

Football — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:11:08 +0000

Down goes Africa, Asia takes its place.

Football’s full of shorter than short memories.

But firstly, your monthly Montenegro watch: nada. Shameless fawning to resume after official games.

Meanwhile Japan is enjoying their current rise, all the way up to the 17th spot, along with similarly scaled leaps from the Asian Cup successes. (Uzbekistan obviously the biggest jumper at 31 spots.)

All this movin’ and shakin’ meant a freed up spot in the top ten with Egypt now all the way down there. The country to assume that lofty status: Greece.

What year is this?

FIFA World Rankings – February 2011

Football — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 17:55:19 +0000

Down goes Africa, Asia takes its place.

Football’s full of shorter than short memories.

But firstly, your monthly Montenegro watch: nada. Shameless fawning to resume after official games.

Meanwhile Japan is enjoying their current rise, all the way up to the 17th spot, along with similarly scaled leaps from the Asian Cup successes. (Uzbekistan obviously the biggest jumper at 31 spots.)

All this movin’ and shakin’ meant a freed up spot in the top ten with Egypt now all the way down there. The country to assume that lofty status: Greece.

What year is this?

South American U-20 Final Group: Matchday 1

Football — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 05:55:08 +0000

The six remaining teams in the South American U-20 Championship played their first of five matchdays on Monday, and we saw one surprise, one blowout, and yes – some more Neymar. See above for a quick preview, below for full highlights.

Uruguay 1-0 Colombia
Uruguay got their first win on the strength of Adrian Luna’s first-half free kick goal, and held Colombia to no real chances after that for a lean but solid win.

Highlights:

Argentina 0-1 Ecuador
We haven’t heard a lot from Ecuador recently on the world football stage, but they got some attention Monday night by doing what Uruguay, Chile, Venezuela and Peru couldn’t do in the first stage – beat Argentina. Montano got the lone goal in the 46th minute, and Sergio Araujo badly missed a penalty for Argentina to solidify the win.

Highlights:

Chile 1-5 Brazil
0-1, 1-0. Enough of that and back to the Neymar show. The Santos wunderkind added two to his impressive tournament total, now seven, and this one was never really in sight for Chile.
Full match report on Brazil World Cup Blog

Highlights:

Final Group Stage Begins in South American U-20 Tournament

Football — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 06:55:18 +0000

The 2011 South American Youth Championship (aka the U-20 continental tournament) is ready to enter its final stage. Starting with ten sides in two groups, there are now six teams in one big pot. Each team will play each other once over five matchdays between 31 January and 12 February, with the winner on points being crowned under-20 champion of South America. Just as importantly, the top four qualify for the 2011 U-20 World Cup, and the top two qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.

The final six teams are:


Argentina	Brazil	Chile	Colombia	Ecuador	Uruguay

Stay tuned to find out if we’ll see any more one-man shows from Neymar, or any of the other young talent on display. The full schedule can be found on our South American U-20 fixtures page, but if anyone is wondering (and you know you are), Argentina vs. Brazil is set for February 6th.

Morocco and South Africa named hosts of ACN 2015 and 2017

Football — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 20:33:17 +0000

Morocco’s “architectural jewel” – Stade de Marrakech

After competing against South Africa for the 3rd time in the last decade to host an international tournament, Morocco finally came out on top. The North African country, who competed against South Africa to host both the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, was selected by the Confederation of African Football to host the 2015 edition of the African Cup of Nations. South Africa, who were also in the running to host the 2015 tournament, were named hosts for the 2017 ACN.

Despite wanting to host the earlier edition of the tournament, South Africa could hardly complain about receiving their second choice…

We would have liked to host the 2015 edition. We made a presentation that we have the infrastructure ready as well as all the volunteers that worked during the Fifa World Cup to call on a short notice, but like we say, we welcome the decision as there was no losers.

And while a few criticized South Africa for riding the “coattails” of its recent success as World Cup host, it is hard to argue with a candidate that has both a ready-made infrastructure in place as well as a demonstrated history of experience hosting the biggest tournament in the world. Well, unless of course you sit on the FIFA Executive Council….

The African Confederation seems to have found a win-win solution that eluded FIFA’s World Cup voting council – though the smaller pool of candidates vying to host the tournament certainly helped broker a solution that pleased everyone. Pot shots at FIFA aside, Morocco’s bid requires much work to be accomplished to successfully deliver on the promises it made in its proposal. South Africa would have been a “safer” choice…but also a less exciting one. Fans who shelled out money to attend last summer’s World Cup are probably more likely to justify spending money to travel to another site rather than the same country in a short 5-year period. 2010 was the year of South Africa. They had their chance to shine…now it is time for someone to get a shot at the lime light. South Africa’s preparedness made them an excellent candidate to host the 2015 tournament….but it makes them an even better back-up should something go awry in Morocco.

Morocco hasn’t hosted an international tournament since 1988…despite several attempts to persuade FIFA otherwise. Their proposal may not be as flashy as some of the recent bids to host tournaments. There is no promise to build air-conditioned stadiums a la Qatar. Some might even argue that their stadiums may not be as impressive as the ones South Africa built for the 2010 World Cup. Yet despite the relative lack of bling – Morocco provided a strong case with realistic goals and targets that indicate they have the capacity and infrastructure to host a successful tournament.

Among those goals was the improvement and expansion of the country’s stadiums. There are plans to build (at least) four new stadiums to rival the size of those found in Europe. The first of those new stadiums, Stade de Marrakech, has been referred to as a “jewel of architecture heritage.” The stadium is already complete and was broken-in with friendlies against PSG (video here) and Lyon (video here) in January. In addition to the other stadiums scheduled to be built by 2015, the Moroccan delegation’s proposal also emphasized security. While the question of security is always relevant in choosing tournament hosts – it was inevitable that this subject would receive more scrutiny in the wake of the tragic attack on the Togolese bus at the 2010 tournament.

The choice of Morocco for 2015 also signals a step away from the Confederation’s history of alternating between host countries in the North and South. The choice to award Morocco the 2015 tournament after Libya hosts in 2013 means that North Africa will back-to-back editions of the tournament. Of course, one could argue that the entire 2013 tournament is an anomaly given its accelerated scheduling and qualification scheme. The 2012 tournament will take place in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Japan Showers Itself In Gold After Asian Cup Win

Football — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:55:19 +0000

For a country which hadn’t won either of its knockout games before the 90th minute mark, it was only fitting that Japan should win its record fourth Asian Cup in the second half of extra time.

All it took was a few moments of heroics from Eiji Kawashima and a solitary meltdown in defense from the Aussies, who let Tadanari Lee smash one home with enough time and space to construct a megayacht and cure cancer simultaneously.

And then they got a shower of gold. Presumably PG.

The goal:

Roundtable: Asian Cup Final Preview

Football — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 03:33:26 +0000

This is the start of a new series both here at World Cup Blog and over at The Offside, in which I will be talking to our bloggers from around the world about their thoughts on big upcoming matches. Today, I talked to Aidan Williams from Japan World Cup Blog and Jack Spencer from Australia World Cup Blog about Sunday’s Asian Cup final, where one of those two sides will be crowned champions of Asia.

First off, it has to be said that after the 6-0 over Uzbekistan, Australia has a bit more of the momentum coming into the final. Jack – do you think that puts more pressure on the boys?

Jack: “Yes and No. Australia’s previous Asian cup was overshadowed by complacency and never really hitting our full potential. Respecting Uzbekistan and hammering them without conceding suggests we have a proper cohesive team this time around. However, yes it does put pressure on the team as it would normally. Matt Mckay has been a shining light so far and i have concerns for him and some of the younger players, who have little or no experience outside of the A-League. The experienced players like Cahill and Kewell must help them out with this, and we need them to perform when it matter most.”

And Aidan, similar question for you – Do you think that 6-0 performance from Australia has changed anything in Japan’s game plan?

Aidan: “Not really. The two teams have reached the final in very different ways. Australia haven’t been tested to the extent Japan have, even if some of that was of our own making. Japan will need to play their usual quick passing game, which is similar to Korea’s style and that was the match where Australia were the most tested and looked the least comfortable. I expect it to be very close and difficult and of course an early goal would help but this team has a lot of patience and belief.”

For both of you – what player or aspect of your own team’s performances so far worries you most for the final?

Aidan: “Defensively Japan have had to chop and change a lot in this tournament, and even before it with the injuries to our two first choice centre-backs. We’ve then had suspensions and other niggles causing the back four, and goalkeeper, to have to be changed regularly. This could lead to problems, and we haven’t been as secure at the back as Australia have, so that would be my main concern. Zaccheroni now has a decision to make again at the back as Maya Yoshida is back from suspension, but whether he will come back into the team I’m not sure.”

Jack: “This may seem odd but Neill worries me, as does anyone else at the back who is not Schwarzer or Ognenovski. Australia have a great defensive record so far, but it’s maybe made us too dependent on defence. Looking at the quality of Japan, namely Honda and Endo, I think our defence will be breached, and for only the second time in the tournament, we will have to go in search of a winner. It was unconvincing against South Korea, and the lack of pace in the Australia backline, mainly Neill, will probably see us concede.”

Who on your team has most impressed you this tournament?

Aidan: “There have been two standout players for Japan for me. Firstly, Yuto Nagatomo at left-back has been extremely impressive. He charges forward at will, and has the pace and skill to worry the likes of Lucas Neill. He was key in teh South Korea game frequently overlapping and effectively being a winger at times which lead to our first goal, and a host of other great chances, Defensively he is very soild too, presumably picking up a few good things from his club in Italy.

The other for me is Keisuke Honda, who started very slowly, as did Japan. But in the knockout rounds he has come more and more into it and seems to cause panic in the opposition who swarm to him at times. This leaves space for others to expolit but also means that a quick killer pass from Honda sees 2 or 3 defenders taken out of the play instantly. This was how Honda helped greata couple of crucial goals in the QF and SF for Japan so far. He is improving with every game, as he is still gaining match sharpness since prior to the tournament he hadn’t played for over a month when the Russian League finished.”

Jack: “Mckay. Jedinak was a contender, but he has dropped off a little these past two games. Mckay had three assists against Uzbekistan, which was to the contrary of pre-tournament expectations, where he was seen as a less spectacular foil to Cahill or Kewell. Yet when he is asked, he has done what he does for Brisbane Roar week in week out, i.e keep the play moving with always forward thinking passes. It takes the pressure off the forwards if they are being fed so consistantly, and means we can keep Cahill in and around the penalty area, where he is best. Cahill is not an uncreative player, but deep in midfield he just doesn’t seem to have the impact he does. Plus if you haven’t seen Mckay’s ball for Kewell’s goal against Iraq then do, it’s a wonderful ball from a difficult angle.

(And to save you a Google search, here it is:)

Special mention must go to Jedinak, whos goals have propelled us through the group stages, while also being an excellent defensive asset alongside Valeri.”

Now to turn it around, which opposing player do you think is going to give you the most trouble on Sunday?

Aidan: “Before the tournament I’d have said Tim Cahill as having seen him frequently in England I think he’s excellent, but he hasn’t shown so much in Qatar so far. Harry Kewell has the assurance of someone who’s been there and done it and has had too much class for some of Australia’s opposition so far so outfield it would have to be him. Mark Schwarzer is also class and will be hard to beat.”

Jack: Honda is the easy choice, but he can be stifled with our crowded midfield. Shinji Okazaki is another player who has come very far in a small amount of time, and Maeda is really frightening as well. Out of the three i would have to say Honda on reputation, but Maeda on current form. Neill and Ognenovski aren’t the best at marking in the world and Maeda’s ability to find space will exploit that.

(Here’s why you should be afraid of Maeda)

What is the feeling in Japan and Australia about the importance of this match, the title, and the trip to the Confederations Cup that comes with it?

Aidan: “While the Asian Cup is important, it is usually viewed as a stepping stone in the 4 yearly World Cup cycle I think, rather than an end in itself. That’s even borne out with some of the squad selections which are with a view to bringing some younger players through for 2014. However, that didn’t mean they escaped criticism after the poor start against Jordan so people do care and want them to win, and personally I think getting into the Confederations Cup would be a great boost to the development of a talented squad wanting to progress at a World level. The problem is there isn’t so much depth of quality in Asia outside of the few usual suspects, but a win will be celebrated in good style should we win on Saturday I have no doubt.”

Jack: “As always with Australia, the Soccer fans will be delighted, but i can’t see the other Australians really taking notice. They will all remember Japan from the first World Cup victory, and will want revenge for the shootout loss in 2007. The confederations cup became almost a formailty for Australia when they were playing in Oceania, but it would be interesting to see how Australia would fair off in a Confederarations cup after a time out, with more practise against quality opposition in the build up though Asian world cup qualifiers.”

Now the last, hardest and most obvious question. Give me your prediction for the final.

Jack: 3-2 Australia after extra time.

Aidan: Neck on the block time! I think it will be close and relatively low scoring, so I’ll go for a 2-1 win for Japan.

For more on the upcoming final, check out our Japan and Australia blogs.

Much Ado About Monkey See, Monkey Do

Football — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:11:15 +0000

That headline probably would’ve worked better were it Cha Du-Ri the Celtic South Korean international embroiled in a tremendous bit of controversy, but it’s not – it’s Ki Sung-yueng.

After scoring the first goal against Japan, something was perhaps missed by the rest of the world that wasn’t in Japan: Ki made a monkey face. Normally just another in the long line of not-quite-Stjarnan-but-still-that’s-weird goal celebrations peppering football by the week, but not here – it’s a derogatory term South Koreans use against the Japanese.

And this has everyone going…apologies in advance…bananas.

Ki’s initially said it was done at the sudden sight of Japanese flags, seen as representative of their imperialism, in the stands, though you’d have to imagine he had to see this coming given they were playing…Japan.

His defense is that it was done to highlight the racist taunts he receives while playing for Celtic in Scotland, which it seems very few are buying considering the time and place to highlight racism in the Scottish game is neither the Asian Cup nor Doha, Qatar.

But perhaps only slightly less offensive than the gesture is the headline which a certain British newspaper of questionable reputability used for the story:

(That sign in the stands isn’t really helping Ki’s case, either.)

Australia Needs No Heroics, Off To Asian Cup Final

Football — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 18:22:18 +0000

With South Korea waiting until the final possible moments for their heroics and ultimately it not panning out, Australia may have taken this as a warning, getting their foot on the pedal early – very early. All of four minutes into the game Harry ~~Potter~~ Kewell put them one goal to the good. The game was comfortable at the half via a second, and over shortly after the mark with a third. And then ten-man Uzbekistan were cruelly punished with a fourth, fifth and sixth. So much for penalties.

Cinderella stories are nice, but they’re certainly not for the Asian Cup – Japan v Australia in the final couldn’t have had terribly good betting odds, though it is arguably the matchup of two of the best three teams in the tournament. Who can separate Japan, Australia and South Korea, really?

South Korea Uses Up Heroics In Extra Time, Japan To Final

Football — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:22:08 +0000

119th minute, and I’m done banging on about the horribly controversial/terrible Japanese penalty which saw them through to the Asian Cup final against the winner of Australia and Uzbekistan.

Scrum in the box and suddenly we’re going to penalties. As late as late could possibly be, and South Korea managed to stay alive for just a bit longer.

Just a bit, though, and then they completely fell apart, missing all three of their penalties. South Korea thus had every chance to win of their own accord, but that likely won’t stop the clamoring in the press for the referee’s head on a platter after he awarded Japan that fairly terrible penalty. Of course South Korea’s first half penalty was fairly similar in the nature of the foul itself, but very importantly inside the box on a playable ball.

Those Blue Samurai are never far away with a bit of late drama – you may want to start watching Sunday’s final ’round the 75th minute.