Sunday, July 25, 2010

Felicitaciones. . .Otra Vez

Alberto Contador won his third Tour de France today by the slim margin of 39 seconds, but of course there was that bit of contraversy. On the Col du Tourmalet, runner-up and Maillot Blanc winner Andy Schleck of Luxembourg had a mechanical problem, and Contador did not wait for Schleck, who was 31 seconds ahead at the time, and Contador ended up gaining 39 seconds on Schelck, catapulting him to a narrow 8 second lead. The two were neck and neck leading up the the final time trial. Before I continue, people have been criticizing AC for not waiting for Schleck, who was his main competition. While getting caught up in a crash earlier in the race, Schleck did not wait for Contador. Schleck, who is not known for his time trialing capabilities, rode the ride of his life, and Contador still gained 31+ seconds on him, at least to me proving beyond the shadow of reasonable doubt that Schleck was the rightful winner.

Also, Spain is dominating sports in general. . . Pau Gasol, Rafael Nadal, the World Cup winning squad, Real and Barca. . .


Monday, July 12, 2010

World Cup Wrap-Up and a Look Ahead

What a month it was. This was the first World Cup I was really consciously aware of everything going on, and it had it's ups and downs, but there were a lot of players and moments I'm going to remember. Here's what I'm leaving South Africa with:

Memorable Moments:
Siphiwe Tshabalala's Opening Goal - Surely a man called Zinedine Zidane II wouldn't disappoint, and South Africa's best player for the tournament scored the first goal of the World Cup on an absolute rocket to the far top corner with his dominant left foot on a breakaway. South Africa couldn't really keep that kind of performance up, but it was a fantastic opening to the tournament.

France's Implosion - France has a lot of top class talent, but without someone to gel their team like Zidane, it was unclear how Les Bleus would perform. Raymond Domenech entered South Africa the most hated man in France, and returned second to Nicolas Anelka, who was dismissed for his insubordinate actions. In response, the top French players , Ribery, Evra, etc., decided to organize the players and not practice before their final group stage game.

Lionel Messi vs. Vincent Enyeama (and pretty much every other goalkeeper) - Messi failed to find the scorecard in South Africa, but his best chances came against Nigeria, and it evolved into a personal battle for Enyeama to make save after save from Messi's shots that would find the back of the net against almost everyone else. Nigeria went home early, but Enyeama was one of the top shot stoppers of the tournament.

The Hand of Clod (Robert Green, ENG) - A soft Clint Dempsey shot up the middle seemed like an easy catch for the West Ham 'keeper, but he decided to not get in front of the ball and it bounced off of him and into the back of the net. Probably summarizes England's time in South Africa.

Italy Sent Home - Gli Azzuri were sent home early, with the reigning world champs failing to win a game, even finishing behind New Zealand.

Pretty Much Anything Having to do With North Korea - From Jong Tae-Se guaranteeing a goal a game, to outsourcing their fan base to China, to almost beating Brazil to then losing 7-0, to have the worst player in the tournament, to always wondering how Kim Jong-Il would kill them, they were fun to have around. Especially in the group of death.

New Zealand. What? - It was a great 3 games for kiwi soccer, who no one thought would have scored against the likes of Slovakia, Paraguay, and defending champs Italy.

The Final Two South American Teams Remaining Were the 'Guays - Wait. . .WHAT??

The Yanks - The best team we've ever fielded, and the world was out to get us. Coming back 2 goals down against Slovenia, Koman Coulibaly denied us a clear goal, and another goal was ruled offsides against Algeria. BUT LANDON DONAVAN IN STOPPAGE TIME AHHHHHHH

Dark Horses - The 'Guays, Small Slavic Countries, South Korea, Japan, Ghana sans Essien, Chile, Switzerland

Spain finally getting their act together - Spain won each knockout game by the score of 1-0, but never looked like they deserved their victories until they defeated an upstart German team that should be favorites in Brazil

Spain Winning, of Course - YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

RVP/VDV/Sneijder/Kuyt/Robben - Can you ASK for a better attacking 5??

The Best Moment of FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa -
Tied 1-1 going into added time of the second extra period, Ghana launched a full out assault against helpless Uruguay. after a barrage of just barely saved shots, Luis Suarez swatted the ball down, giving Ghana the penalty. Asamoah Gyan, Ghana's penalty taker, had already coolly put away two penalties in the group stage, so Ghana was ready to become the first African team to move onto the semifinals. Sure enough, Gyan missed the penalty, sending the game to a shootout, where Uruguay subsequently won, even taking a dump on Ghana by winning on a chipped penalty. Suarez, more known for his attacking prowess, will be remembered for one of the greatest red cards in history.

World Cup XI
----------------Casillas-----------------
Maicon--Lugano-Mertesacker-Coentrao
------------Schweinsteiger--------------
------Muller----Xavi------Sanchez------
-----------Forlan------Villa-------------
First Team:
Iker Casillas (ESP)
Maicon (BRA)
Fabio Coentrao (POR)
Diego Lugano (URU)
Per Mertesacker (GER)
Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER)
Thomas Muller (GER)
Xavi Hernandez (ESP)
Diego Forlan (URU)
David Villa (ESP)
Alexis Sanchez (CHI)

Reserves:
Manuel Neuer (GER)
Justo Villar (PAR)
Jorge Fucile (URU)
Phillip Lahm (GER)
Sergio Ramos (ESP)
Wesley Sniejder (NED)
Diego Perez (URU)
Arjen Robben (NED)
Andres Iniesta (ESP)
Clint Dempsey (USA)
Keisuke Honda (JPN)
Robert Vittek (SVK)

Records and Milestones Spain Broke:
- Fewest Goals Scored by World Cup Winner (8)
- Most Consecutive minutes Clean Sheet kept at a World Cup Final for Spain (Iker Casillas, 434)
- First team to lose opening game and win World Cup (ESP 0-1 SUI, NED 0-1 ESP)
- Best disciplinary record
- First World Cup in nations history
- First team to win European Championship then World Cup
- First European Team to win a World Cup not held in Europe

Awards Ceremony:
Best Player: Diego Forlan (URU)
Best Goal: Any David Villa Goal
Best Hair: Fabio Coentrao (POR)
Best Eyes: Jesus Navas (ESP)
Antonio Valencia Award for best young player from South America no one's ever heard of: Alexis Sanchez (CHI)
Best Young Player: Luis Suarez (URU)

And Now, a Look Ahead. . .
Brazil 2014. 4 long years away. So much can happen in that time. If I had to call it now, Germany will win. They average age of their team is just 24, and will be 28 if not younger in Brazil, so if their players keep maturing and progressing, Germany will be unstoppable. A team I think that will turn a lot of heads is Belgium. They've got a ton on great young players like Thomas Vermaelen, Marouane Fellaini, Axel Witsel, and Moussa Dembele to name a few. Keep your eyes open for the Belgians to make a shock run during the next world cup or two.

World Cup Final Round Wrap-Up

Netherlands 0-1 Spain AET
15' NED Van Persie (YC)
17' ESP Puyol (YC)
22' Van Bommel (YC)
23' ESP Ramos (YC)
28' NED de Jong (YC)
54' NED Van Bronckhorst (YC)
57' NED Heitinga (YC)
67' ESP Capdevila (YC)
84' NED Robben (YC)
109' NED Heitinga (RC)
111' NED Van der Wiel (YC)
116' ESP Iniesta (0-1)
117' NED Mathijsen (YC)
118' ESP Iniesta (YC)
120+1' ESP Xavi (YC)
By far the most yellow cards in a world cup final, this was not a pretty game. Entertaining at points, but too violent for my tastes. While there were some very physical challenges, Howard Webb didn't get them all right, including not showing straight red to Nigel de Jong who dug his cleat into Xabi Alonso's chest, and not booking Heitinga for a challenge on Iniesta until after the Spanish bench had complained. All in all, it was a goalkeeper's day. While real chances were few and far between, each time had multiple one-on-one breakaways, and each time Iker Casillas and Martin Stekelenburg rose to the occasion. La Roja dominated possession, but defending in numbers, the Dutch were comfortable relying on Robben's speed on the counterattack, which almost worked, since Carles Puyol was having an awful game, and was finally beginning to show his age. There was also a lot of diving, with Robben, Xavi, and Iniesta doing their best Ronaldo impressions.
NED Verdict: A strong showing offensively and defensively, but the Dutch reputation will be tarnished because of their violent physical performance. They came for blood and got it. They also got the loss. Sneijder, who had dictated so much play, was largely invisible for the match, but it was clear Oranje's plan of attack went through Robben.
ESP Verdict: It wasn't pretty, but the better team won tonight. With their one touch passing and ability to make the best of broken plays, La Furia won it late again.
Man of the Match: Iker Casillas (ESP)

Uruguay 2-3 Germany
5' GER Aogo (YC)
7' GER Cacau (YC)
19' GER Muller (0-1)
28' URU Cavani (1-1)
51' URU Forlan (2-1)
56' GER Jansen (2-2)
61' URU Perez (YC)
82' GER Khedira (2-3)
90+2' GER Friedrich (YC)
Though the defenses might have looked a little shaky at times, but both teams really showed what they are capable of offensively.
GER Verdict: Not the promising display we've seen from Germany's wunderkind, but they showed their resiliance and got a little bit of luck. Germany will most likely enter the 2014, if not 2018 as well, world cups as outright favorites.
URU Verdict: The best team Uruguay has fielded since winning their two world cups, we've most likely seen Diego Forlan's final world cup, and what a ride it has been for him. It was nice to see Uruguay not in a state of trying to defend for 90 minutes, and almost came close to forcing extra time on a Forlan free kick that rattled the post.
Man of the Match: Diego Forlan (URU)

Awards:
Golden Boot: Thomas Muller (GER)
Golden Ball: Diego Forlan (URU)
Silver Ball: Wesley Sneijder (NED)
Bronze Ball: David Villa (ESP)
Golden Glove: Iker Casillas (ESP)
Best Young Player: Thomas Muller (GER)

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

World Cup 2010 Semifinals Wrap-Up

Uruguay 2-3 Netherlands
18' NED Van Bronckhorst (0-1)
21' URU M. Pereira (YC)
29' NED Sneijder (YC)
29' URU Caceres (YC)
41' URU Forlan (1-1)
70' NED Sneijder (1-2)
73' NED Robben (1-3)
78' NED Boularouhz (YC)
90+2' URU M. Pereira (YC)
90+4' NED Van Bommel (YC)
This was the best game both sides have played, with the Dutch showcasing their free-flowing Total Football, and El Celeste showing their resiliant, never-say-die attitude. The match was highlighted by 5 brilliant goals (most notably skipper Van Bronckhorst's), a couple of which highlighted some farcical goalkeeping.
URU Verdict: Probably the best game they've played (outside of dominating South Africa and, holding the line against France, and showing Mexico what was up, and that handball!), Uruguay played another very solid game, and will very well deserve the 3rd or 4th place they will be getting.
NED Verdict: The best match the Dutch have played, they were able to run circles around the steady Uruguayan defense (who was without Lugano and Fucile). Stekelenburg did not look great in goal, but hopefully his mids and forwards can keep him out of trouble by maintaining possession.
Man of the Match: Giovani Van Bronckhorst (NED)

Germany 0-1 Spain
73' ESP Carlos Puyol
The marquee semifinal matchup proved to be just that. The 2008 European Championship ended up with the same result, thanks to a dazzling header from Carlos Puyol. Both sides played remarkably, but the Spanish, for the first time this tournament, decided to show up.
GER Verdict: When they had the ball, they nearly scored on many occasions, but were denied by some good last minute challenges and quality saves by Iker Casillas. The Germans would have indeed liked to play for the final, but their team is very young, and Die Mannschaft's time will come.
ESP Verdict: Well kids, this is what we were waiting for. after 5 lacklustre performances from the reigning European Champions, La Furia Roja finally showed up, and no better time to do so. Taking on a ferociously dominant German side, The Spanish played their brand of football, dictating possession and tempo. Xavi found his touch again, combining with the likes of Iniesta, Pedro, and many others to form precise formations around the Germans, eventually seeing Puyol's run on a corner kick and putting the ball at the perfect spot at the perfect time, almost at will.
Man of the Match: Xavi (ESP)

Saturday, July 3, 2010

World Cup Wrap-Up Matchday 22

Argentina 0-4 Germany
3' GER Muller (0-1)
11'ARG Otamendi (YC)
35' GER Muller (YC) (Misses Next Match)
68' GER Klose (0-2)
74' GER Friedrich (0-3)
80' ARG Mascherano (YC)
89' GER Klose (0-4)
Argentina managed to string a few passes together. . .occasonally, and Maradona's tactics and flimsy defense finally were Argentina's undoing. Probably the fastest match played in terms of speed, it was a fast paced game where the Argies were always one step behind the riveting German play.
ARG Verdict: Messi will leave the World Cup with 0 goals. 'Nuff said.
GER Verdict: Fast, efficient play and clinical finishing. Die Mannschaft employed blitzkrieg style football at its finest. If it wasn't clear that Germany was among the favorites before, it's hard not to put them as front runners now. Beating Australia 4-0 is one thing, beating Argentina 4-0 is something else entirely. Germany will advance to their 3rd straight semifinals.
Man of the Match: Bastian Schweinsteiger (GER)
(Note: It's really to award only one German player man of the match, since German play is so team based. Also very notable performers were Lukas Podolski (GER) and Carlos Tevez (ARG)

Paraguay 0-1 Spain
57' ESP Pique (YC)
59' PAR Cardozo (pen miss)
59' PAR Caceres (YC)
59' PAR Alcaraz (YC)
61' ESP Xabi Alonso (pen miss)
63' ESP Busquets (YC)
71' PAR Morel Rodriguez (YC)
83' ESP David Villa (0-1)
88' PAR Santana (YC)
Yet another game for La Roja where they failed to impress. You really have to wonder whether or not they truly are who they are supposed to be.
PAR Verdict: A very hard fought game from the Larissa Riqulme's, and the way Spain was playing the probably deserved to win the match.
ESP Verdict: Vicente Del Bosque refuses to adapt to his teams rises and dips in from, playing many players that shouldnt be on the pitch at all (ahem Fernando Torres).
Men of the Match: Iker Casillas (ESP), Justo Villar (PAR)

Friday, July 2, 2010

World Cup Wrap-Up Matchday 21

Netherlands 2-1 Brazil
10' BRA Robinho (0-1)
14' NED Heitinga (YC)
37' BRA Michel Bastos (YC)
47' NED Van der Wiel (YC)
53' NED Felipe Melo (1-1) (og)
64' NED De Jong (YC)
68' NED Sneijder (2-1)
73' BRA Felipe Melo (RC)
76' NED Ooijer (YC)
Before the game even started, one of Holland's starting centre backs was ruled out for the game, and had to make a gametime substitution, starting Ooijer. It went from bad to worse and Brazil carved a pass through the entire Dutch team for an early goal. The Dutch began to build steam after that, but never really threatened again. The second half began with Oranje contiually breaking down the Brazilian defense that had been so stellar the first half. With the breakdown of their defense that had been so solid for them, the Selecao began to mentally deteriorate, looking more and more desperate to defend, and the Dutch almost out the game away for good late in the game.
NED Verdict: Finally, the Dutch attack looked what it's capable of doing, controlling the ebb and flow of the game through series' of passes and runs, baffling the Brazilians. Sneijder/Kuyt/Robben/RVP were magnificent as the the holding midfielders did their job and the defense got it's act together after an early miscue. Oranje advance to play Uruguay in the semifinal.
BRA Verdict: Another disappointing performance from the Selecao after it looked to be such a promising game for them. Felipe Melo almost single handedly lost them the game, but their star players really failed to shine when they were needed most. Luis Fabiano was especially invisible.
Man of the Match: Wesley Sneijder (NED)

Uruguay (4)1-1(2) Ghana AET
20' URU Fucile (YC) (Misses Next Match)
45+2' GHA Muntari (0-1)
48' URU Arevalo (YC)
54' GHA Pantsil (YC)
55' URU Forlan (1-1)
59' URU Perez (YC)
77' GHA Sarpei (YC)
93' GHA Mensah (YC)
120+1' URU Suarez (RC)
120+2' GHA Gyan (pen miss)
URU Penalties
O Forlan
O Victorino
O Scotti
X Pereira
O Abreu
GHA Penalties
O Gyan
O Abreu
X Mensah
X Adiyah
Aside from some gorgeous strikes from Forlan and Muntari, this game will be remembered for what happened in added time of the final extra time period. After 120', Ghana began a full on assault after a dubious free kick was awarded. The initial attempt was thrown into the air, and Uruguay 'keeper Musilera did not clear it properly, and the ball fell to a Ghanaian defender who's shot was blocked at the goal line. Another Ghana player picked up the rebound and fired it on goal, where Luis Suarez had no choice but the bat the ball away with his hand, earning a red card for an intentional handball, also giving Ghana a penalty. With the final kick of added time, Asamoah Gyan hit the crossbar, sending the game into penalties, where the Uruguayans promptly won the match thanks to some of the worst penalties ever taken from Ghana, and the ultimate cheeky finish with the chip from Abreu.
URU Verdict: Probably their worst performance of the tournament, El Celeste needed a little luck to move on. Shaky in defense and not really working as a unit, Uruguay was tested over and over by a persistant Ghanaian side.
GHA Verdict: The Black Stars were absolutely the better side today, outworking the Uruguayans on all fronts. A "Hand of Odd" from Luis Suarez and a lack of mental fortitude will keep the pride of Africa from moving forward, but they should exit holding their heads high, knowing they have played amongst the world's elite.
Man of the Match: Luis Suarez (URU)