Globe and Mail Update Published on Tuesday, Jun. 27, 2006 8:25AM EDT Last updated on Tuesday, Apr. 07, 2009 12:01AM EDT
Simon Beck: What an exhausting game. Neither side really deserved to go through after that display of bad sportsmanship. The referee overreacted on some of the cards, especially Deco's second yellow, but he had his hands full. I lost count of the times cynical fouls were committed; it seemed the players had forgotten the option of making legitimate tackles. Figo also will be praying that FIFA dont hand him a suspension when they examine that mini-head butt on tape.
England will face a slimmed down Portugal team on saturday and must fancy their chances, but I can't see that one being anything but super close too. It should be a cracker.
Posted Sunday at 5:18 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Here's an updated schedule for the week.
Monday
Italy v. Australia, 11 a.m. Sportsnet
Switzerland v. Ukraine, 3 p.m. TSN
Tuesday
Brazil v. Ghana, 11 a.m. Sportsnet
Spain v. France, 3 p.m., Sportsnet
Quarter-finals
Friday
Germany v. Argentina, 11 a.m., Sportsnet
Saturday
England v. Portugal, 11 a.m., TSN
Posted Sunday at 4:58 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Disgusting move there by the Dutch. Portugal had the ball and the ref blew so a player could get treatment. So he restarted play with a drop ball and the Dutch, instead of giving the ball back, went storming upfield with it.
Posted Sunday at 4:34 p.m.
John Doyle: Second half under way. Portugal down to ten men but not playing like it. Still how long will it take for the Dutch to prise advantage? For Portugal Deco is playing the game of his life.
Posted Sunday at 4:13 p.m.
John Doyle: And we are under way here with the Oranje Army noise shaking the foundations . First clear chances to the Dutch. Cocu being given a lot of space. Wait, here is Figo to take charge......
Posted Sunday at 3:12 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Okay that Dutch change strip is by far the ugliest I've seen at this World Cup.
Posted Sunday at 3:06 p.m.
John Doyle in Nuremberg: Sorry to interrupt the English anorak-ing, but hello from Nuremberg. Here for Holland/Portugal. Hot as hell here too, 33 degrees or thereabouts. Van Nistelrooy not in starting 11 announced here for Holland.
On England, saw much of it up to the Beckham goal. "Clumsy" is the word I think for this England team under Sven. Talented creative players left to flounder in restrictive roles.
Posted Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Simon Beck: I think England played valiantly against an Ecuadorian team that were top notch in defence. Ashley Cole was superb and Beckham ran all over the park to lead the team. Brilliant free kick for the goal. And after they went 1-0 up they shut the game down better than they usually manage. I though Sven's tactics would have been Ok if Lampard and Gerrad had played well, but they were both lacklustre, leaving Rooney running round like a headless chicken. The problem with Rooney alone up front is that he likes to run at defences rather than have the ball lobbed into him from behind. I think Lennon has shown enough to merit being placed up front with Rooney in the next game, in which you'd have to take Carrick out of the lineup.
Next game? Portugal to edge it if they play as well as they can. Big Phil makes a difference for them. I'm not sure Netherlands are quite as good as has been suggested - but if they are, they'd better show it now because Portugal have too much skill up front not to expoit them.
Posted Sunday at 2:12 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Portugal and the Netherlands have played a lot in the past few years and I can't find many occasions when the Dutch prevailed. There was a European Championship qualifier in the fall of 1990 when the Netherlands won 1-0 at home but I can't find one since then. Portugal won 2-1 at Euro 2004 but that was a home game.
Let's break the teams down: The Netherlands to me have a much better attack with Robben, Van Persie and a slightly disappointing Van Nistelrooy. I'd give Portugal an edge in the midfield and a slight edge at the back. Marco Van Basten has done a good job with the Dutch team but you have to give the coaching edge to Luiz Felipe Scolari. In terms of this tournament, I think the Netherlands have looked better than Portugal.
This is very close. The Netherlands to win in 90 minutes: 35 per cent. Draw after 90 minutes: 33 per cent. Portugal to win in 90 minutes: 32 per cent.
Posted Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Stuttgart: Sorry Neil - just got caught up in traffic chaos around the stadium. Several times after he scored the goal, Beckham had to stop and vomit on the pitch. No doubt the heat getting to him. When Sven finally took him off for Lennon, who looked half dead sitting there.
Posted Sunday at 1:37 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Steve, more info please on that Beckham incident you were talking about. We got a shot of Beckham looking in distress but wasn't immediately clear what he was doing. I imagine that could be an iconic moment - Captain Fantastic overcoming heat exhaustion or whatever to lead England ....
Posted Sunday at 1:26 p.m.
Paul Attfield: I'm relieved. England live to fight another day. We just did enough and I know I seem to be saying that a lot.
I'm off to England tonight for a wedding on Saturday. Can't believe somebody would have their wedding right when England are in the World Cup quarter-finals. The women will realize the timing was bad when all the men are in the bar.
Posted Sunday at 1:09 p.m.
Neil Campbell: England's man of the match for me was Ashley Cole. He did a great job of marking Valencia and, of course, there was that partial shot block. If I were doing player ratings I'd have given him an 8. I though Rooney showed signs of really beginning to hit his stride.
Gerrard and Hargreaves, to me, were very poor.
I think Sven has been a buffoon at this World Cup. I think he's taking unnecessary risks because if they work he's a mad genius and if they don't, oh well, he's leaving anyway.
Posted Sunday at 1:05 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Stuttgart: Assuming this holds up, not tough to anticipate the coverage in the English press tomorrow. On the flag waving patriotic side of the spectrum, just three wins away from the World Cup, Becks is back -- after a few days of terribly unfair criticism -- and bravely played through his digestive challenges, all is well, they're just getting warmed up. And on the other side -- we're still crap, we still don't have a clue, Sven is a buffoon, and surely they'll get their comeuppance against the class of the Netherlands/Portugal. That last part sounds a lot like elements of the blog....
Posted Sunday at 12:48 p.m.
Phillip Crawley: Is Beckham's deadball genius going to save Sven the Insipid from an ignominious exit?
He doesn't deseve it with another negative team selection. Playing six in midfield with only one striker is so conservative
And quite in character he takes off one of our best attacking players Joe Cole and. Replaces him with not another striker but another defender in Carragher
Posted Sunday at 12:41 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Beckham becomes the first Englishman to score at three World Cups with that goal
Posted Sunday at 12:24 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Stuttgart: Trust the viewers in North America were treated to the same close ups of Beckham losing his lunch as we were. A little too up close and personal for my tastes....
Posted Sunday at 12:24 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Stuttgart: And just when you count the glamour boy out, he does what he does best. We'll get to see if Ecuador has another gear now, but I have my doubts.
Posted Sunday at 12:19 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Lovely free kick there by Beckham to give England a 1-0 lead. Credit to Lampard, too, for winning the free kick in a dangerous position.
Posted Sunday at 12:19 p.m.
Neil Campbell: I'm not a big fan of Peter Crouch but I'd bring him on right now. England needs somebody to hold the ball up so Rooney and the attacking midfielders can start making some runs. In retrospect starting Rooney as a sole attacker was a bad idea. England played their best football of the World Cup with the Rooney-Crouch tandem during the first half against Sweden.
Posted Sunday at 12:06 p.m.
Phillip Crawley: Sven the Insipid is 45 minutes away from an ignominious exit from the England manager's job
The first half performance of his team against Ecuador adds to the lacklustre show in three qaulifying games
Once again he has not learned the lesson that overcrowding the midfield is not a formula for winning. Its just his way of losing
He is so negative and so conservative that he does not deserve to succeed
Sven needs to play an extra striker and be brave instead of timid or he's going down in flames
Posted Sunday at 12:04 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Stuttgart: Neil, hate to set a precedent, but I think you ought to re-do your magic numbers with a half gone. Given the conditions here, and given Sven's lack of options, I think that was a very good 45 minutes for Ecuador. Rooney looks lost as the lone man up front, and so far, they haven't had quite the same luck moving the ball through Ashley and Joe Cole. The Ecuadoreans will be content to keep hacking away, saunter around, and take their chances when they come. A bit of a struggle for Owen Hargreaves at right back. And today, even Beckham's set piece stuff looks average, to go with his non-contribution in other facets of the game. I wonder if it's time to sit the captain down and bring in Lennon to get some pace out there.
Posted Sunday at 11:54 a.m.
Neil Campbell: Half hour gone and England not playing all that well. In fact they're lucky not to be one down. Ashley Cole's last-second lunge redirected a Carlos Tenorio shot on to the bar after a horrible error by John Terry. Only two shots on target for England so far, weak efforts by Lampard and Rooney
Posted Sunday at 11:34 a.m.
Neil Campbell: England and Ecuador have only played once before, and it was a long time ago. In preparation for the 1970 World Cup England went to Quito and beat Ecuador 2-0. I see a similar scoreline today.
Posted Sunday at 10:45 a.m.
Simon Beck: If England do lose today, the tabloids will have to consult their encylopedias to drum up ecuadorian puns. Pipes? yaks? what rhymes with Galapagos?
But it wont happen. Rooney and Lampard are ready to score a goal or two and hopefully the defence will have learned some discipline in training after the Sweden failings. Ecuador looked great against Poland and Costa Rica - and that's as far as it will go.
Posted Sunday at 10:43 a.m.
Neil Campbell: I agree with Steve, this is a game England will win.
One thing about England. When they lose a knockout game at a World Cup they lose to quality opposition. In 1970 they were beaten by West Germany. In 1986 it was Argentina. In 1990 it was West Germany again and in 1998 it was Argentina again. Four years ago Brazil put England out.
Ecuador hardly fits into that company and England should overcome them fairly comfortably.
I'm glad Michael Carrick is playing for England in the holding midfield role. He's a considerably better player than Owen Hargreaves. I'll say 70 per cent England win 10 per cent Ecuador win 20 per cent draw after 90 minutes.
Posted Sunday at 9:32 a.m.
Stephen Brunt in Stuttgart: Good morning blogophiles from the land without air conditioning. The Germans, I'm told, believe it is unhealthy, and would rather walk around in little tiny speedoish bathing suits tanning themselves a golden brown, no matter what their age or body shape. But sitting in Stuttgart right now, where the temperature has pushed into the high 30's, environmental responsiblilty be damned, I want to walk into a building or a train that's the temperature of a meat locker.
Before moving on to today's match, one last note about Munich. After the Germany-Sweden match, I took a cab to my hotel, the address of which was Olympiapark. Didn't think twice about it at the time, but it was a building - no air conditioning, of course - left over from the 1972 Olympics. This morning, walked out the back door and stepped into a courtyard. Immediately the view was familiar, like the first time you walk into Dealey Plaza in Dallas - a series of four and five storey buildings, with balconies on every floor. Before being told, I knew what I was seeing - the former athletes village. And right there, just above where I was standing, the rooms that were occupied by the Israeli athletes who were abducted and murdered that year.
Now on to football, England and Ecuador. An interesting match up. Ecuador are better than they showed in their final group game against Germany, when they rested five starters. They were third in South American qualifying, behind Brazil and Argentina, which is no small thing. England will apparently experiment with yet another alignment today. Owen Hargreaves moves to right back in place of Jamie Carragher. Michael Carrick takes his place as the holding midfielder. And Wayne Rooney will be all alone up front - so really, a 4-1-4-1. But if they wilted like frail English roses in their tournament opener against Paraguay, they might dissolve entirely today. The sun will be high in the sky, and it's' far hotter. Wonder about Rooney's stamina, playing all alone, and perhaps still not entirely match fit. There's always Peter Crouch, for better or for worse, but here's betting we see the World Cup debut of 17-year-old Theo Walcott. They might need his legs. Still, historically, this is the kind of World Cup game England wins. The next round is another story.
Posted Sunday at 9:14 a.m.
Simon Beck: It often takes a strike of genius to win games like that, and Rodriguez' goal was worthy of the victory. But Argentina didn't look like the dominant team that everyone was salivating over after that Serbia game; they are a good team, not a great team, and I think Germany will have them for lunch with a nice dry riesling in the quarters. Sombreros off to Mexico for a very courageous showing. They went for it and were not cowed by their opponents. But once again, they followed their regular script of a second round exit.
Posted Saturday at 5:48 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Neil Campbell: Argentina's winning goal was the best of the World Cup so far. But this wasn't a top Argentine performance. Germany looked a much better team today. Still, their clash Friday in the quarter-finals will be dramatic.
An updated schedule:
Sunday
England v. Ecuador, 11 a.m. Sportsnet
The Netherlands v. Portugal, 3 p.m. TSN
Monday
Italy v. Australia, 11 a.m. Sportsnet
Switzerland v. Ukraine, 3 p.m. TSN
Tuesday
Brazil v. Ghana, 11 a.m. Sportsnet
Spain v. France, 3 p.m., Sportsnet
Quarter-finals
Friday
Germany v. Argentina, 11 a.m., Sportsnet
Posted Saturday at 5:43 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Now that was a nice goal by Maxi Rodriguez — lovely cushioned control of a cross-field pass with his chest and then a terrific volley into the top corner.
Posted Saturday at 5:09 p.m.
John Doyle in Leipzig: Here we go - tied at the end and two 15 periods of extra time coming. Messi likely to make the difference. He was lightniing on feet for the few minutes he was on.
Posted Saturday at 4:59 p.m.
Neil Campbell: So once again we have a dreadful offside decision right near the end of the 90 minutes. Pablo Aimar of Argentina was onside before he passed to Messi for the simple tap-in. Extra time now.
Posted Saturday at 4:55 p.m.
John Doyle in Leipzig: Half-time here with suprisingly confident Mexico giving that amazing Argentine team a good fright. First Mexico goal by Captain Marquez. Argentine goal given to Crespo but looked an own goal by Mexican defender from here.
Posted Saturday at 4:05 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Munich: I'm playing the Maradona drinking game in munich. It isn't even halftime, and already I'm seeing two of him.
Posted Saturday at 3:40 p.m.
Neil Campbell: 1-0 Mexico and they are full value for the lead. Rafa Marquez scored the goal after his marker, Gabriel Heinze, lost him on a free kick. It was the latest in a series of Mexican attacks.
But Argentina equalized virtually on its first attack. It was a Jared Borghetti own goal from a Roman Riquelme corner.
Posted Saturday at 3:25 p.m.
John Doyle in Leipzig: Under way in Leipziig. Messi on the bench, on his birthday I gather. Large and loud Mexican presence here, This is one rockin' stadium.
Posted Saturday at 3:10 p.m.
Neil Campbell: I mentioned this very early in the tournament and Scott touched on it the other day. The quality of the host-feed commentators used by FIFA in this World Cup has been poor, in my opinion. They miss a lot that is very obvious to the educated fan watching on television and should certainly be obvious to a professional commentator sitting in the stadium.
The very idea of a solo play-by-play man with no analyst was outdated a decade ago. The Premier League has a play-by-play man and analyst for every game that is played.
TSN/Rogers should have sent their own crews or should have bought audio from ITV/BBC or ESPN/ABC.
Posted Saturday at 2:55 p.m.
Neil Campbell: There's no question Argentina has been better than Mexico so far at the World Cup but this match might not be the Argentine walk in the park many expect. The teams played to a 0-0 draw at the Confederations Cup last summer and Mexico beat Argentina at the 2004 Copa America.
This is the fourth World Cup in a row that Mexico has reached the last 16 and each time they have gone home right after. They lost 2-0 to the United States four years ago, were beaten 2-1 by Germany in 1998 and lost on penalties to Bulgaria in 1994.
Argentina hasn't gone deep in a World Cup since losing to Germany on penalties in 1990. They lost at this stage to Romania in 1994, lost to the Netherlands after beating England on penalties in the last 16 in 1998 and, of course, were humiliatingly dumped at the group stages four years ago.
Argentina to win in 90 minutes: 60 per cent; Mexico to win in 90 minutes: 15 per cent; extra time or penalties: 25 per cent.
Posted Saturday at 2:23 p.m.
John Doyle in Leipzig: In Leipzig now. Arrived much later than intended as train was delayed, apparently, by local kids trying to plant German flags along the tracks leading to the city. Nice people who work on German rail handed out free bottles of water and orange juice to fretting passangers. It is, after all, A Time To Make Friends. Downtown Leipzig, such as it is, a complete zoo. Tens of thousands of celebrating Germans on the streets, and armies of Mexicans and Argentinians heading to the stadium. No sign of Maradona yet.
Posted Saturday at 1:53 p.m.
Neil Campbell: I agree with a couple of recent comments by blog readers.
Throughout this tournament I've noticed dreadful offside calls. In fact, I'd say about one in five decisions that I've seem are actually correct. I think the assistant referees are terrified of allowed a goal that replays will show shouldn't have been given and they're bringing back everything that's close. That's the opposite of how it should be. To me it's been the biggest disappoinment of this World Cup.
As for Beckham I agree with Steve. He's a good right winger capable of outstanding service but he's only a superstar because of his looks and his wife. He shouldn't be England's captain. That should be Stevie Gerrard or John Terry.
Posted Saturday at 1:52 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Munich: A disappointing second half, especially after Larsson missed the penalty. (An unfortunate way to end his international career - though I know Neil, who must always seem him wearing green, might have smiled one of those smiles). The Swedes ran out of gas at the end down to ten men, and the Germans were unlucky not to make the scoreline embarassing. A great game by the Swedish keeper Andreas Isaksson.
So what do you make of the home team now? Still get the sense that they're vulnerable defensively, but the fact is, they haven't given up a goal since the opener against Costa Rica. I think they would have torn England up today. But next, they'll probably get Argentina. The question that will be answered then won't be whether they're good enough to reach the semis or the final, but whether they're good enough to win it all.
Posted Saturday at 1:04 p.m.
Neil Campbell: 2-0 final for Germany. Let's hope Argentina beats Mexico later this afternoon because I think Germany versus Argentina would be worthy of a World Cup final rather than the quarter-final it will be. I think they've been the two most impressive teams so far at the tournament.
Here's a reminder of the schedule for the rest of this round
Saturday
Mexico v. Argentina, 3 p.m. TSN
Sunday
England v. Ecuador, 11 a.m. Sportsnet
The Netherlands v. Portugal, 3 p.m. TSN
Monday
Italy v. Australia, 11 a.m. Sportsnet
Switzerland v. Ukraine, 3 p.m. TSN
Tuesday
Brazil v. Ghana, 11 a.m. Sportsnet
Spain v. France, 3 p.m., Sportsnet
Posted Saturday at 12:55 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Munich: Mattias Jonson flattens Michael Ballack Shades of 1958
Posted Saturday at 12:08 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Munich: Halftime. Well, so much for the Swedes keeping it close. They were just overwhelmed at the back by Klose, with Poldoski picking up the scraps. Also love the way Ballack runs the show, and Lahm joining the attack - I still think he's the big revelation here so far. Great atmosphere in Allianz Arena. My first time in here - they've done a fabulous job maintaining intimacy on this scale. A great building for the fans. The Swedes are all tucked in to one, bright yellow corner.
Regarding Yew-Fatt Wong's query about David Beckham in the comments section: I covered three of the tournaments he mentions - the World Cups in 98 and 02, and Euro 2000. Agree that Beckham was at his peak with that disappointing 2002 England team. Sure he's overrated and overhyped, because he's handsome, because he's married to a pop star, because he played for one of the most successful editions of one of the world's most glamorous sides, Manchester United, and then went on to become a Galatico at Real Madrid, albeit with limited success. At this stage, he looks a step slow, and he was never a great defender. I assume that Steve McLaren will change captains when he takes over, and cast his lot with the younger crowd who are so much the heart of the England team here.
But....if there was one free kick to take, with this World Cup on the line, there aren't many players who I'd rather have lining up than Beckham. He's a one trick pony, but it's still a helluva trick.
Posted Saturday at 12:00 p.m.
Neil Campbell: I think this performance so far by Miroslav Klose is the best individual outing I've seen so far at the tournament.
He's doing everything right and his turn just a few seconds ago forced Teddy Lucic into his second yellow of the day. So Sweden down to 10 men.
Posted Saturday at 11:36 a.m.
Neil Campbell: Klose and Podolski combine again and it's 2-0. Klose's dribble on the edge of the box drew the attention of the defenders away and Podolski tucked it home nicely again.
Posted Saturday at 11:13 a.m.
Neil Campbell: Germany 1, Sweden 0. Nice move in the box by Miroslav Klose forced a goalkeeping error and Lucas Podolski fired it home.
Posted Saturday at 11:12 a.m.
Neil Campbell: Morning everyone, welcome to the second round. Just caught up on the games and the blog from yesterday.
Among the past five European World Cup hosts, only Spain in 1982 haven't made it to at least the semi-finals. That home-field advantage is what gives Germany a big push today. If this game were being held in, say, England, I would put Germany at 40 per cent, a draw at 35 per cent and Sweden at 25 per cent.
But home field is such a big factor. I'll put Germany at 55 per cent a draw at 25 per cent and Sweden at 20 per cent.
There won't be a draw today, of course. When I say a draw I an assigning a probability to the game being decided in extra time or penalties.
Posted Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
Stephen Brunt in Munich: Good morning from Munich, on what may well be the hottest day of the tournament so far. After a peaceful train ride in from Frankfurt, had the great pleasure of being involved in my first FIFA media ticketing fiasco of this World Cup. Nothing like being crammed in with several hundred sweaty, panicky, and extremely agressive colleagues all convinced that unless they walk directly over you, they won't get in to see the match. Ah well, a small price to pay to see what ought to be an entertaining game. In some circles, there's a belief that this will be a walkover for the home team, but expect the Swedes to put up a very good fight - more like their second half performance against England. For those with long memories, this match harkens back to a rancorous World Cup semi final betweent he two countries in 1958, won by the host Swedes. The Germans accused them of whipping the home crowd into a frenzy using megaphones - and were also upset at finishing the match with nine men, when one player was sent off, and another, the great Fritz Walter, left injured after being repeatedly fouled (at a time when teams couldn't substitute for injured players - Walter never played for Germany again). The head of the German football federation vowed afterwards never to set foot in Sweden again. Not sure if he kept his promise. Let's hope today's match provides just as much fun.
Posted Saturday at 10:22 a.m.
John Doyle in Berlin: Morning from Berlin. Off to Leipzig soon for Argentina/Mexico. My first opportunity to see the now-Favourites Argentina. I expect Mexico to go all out, Mexico having actually had some success with Argentina in recent years. Warm but not oppressively so in Berlin/Leipzig area for the game. From what I hear, it's extremely hot in Munich.
Posted Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
Scott Colbourne: Love the first knockout games. Those minnow v. superpower games in the first round have some appeal, but there is nothing like win or go home. And we could have a dream final eight -- well, a dream seven, give or take Switzerland.
As promised, played out this first match, Germany-Sweden, using a video game. Sweden scored on its one real chance, Zlatan Ibrahimovic side-footing a long ball past Lehmann (that was realistic -- he tries that shot every time -- though still not sure he will be in the starting lineup), but Germany tied through Klose and went on to take the penalty shootout. This is a tough game to pick (the second hardest after Portugal-Netherlands, in my opinion): a lot of history between these two countries and both will play stubbornly, but I'm going with that result.
Now, off to play my own game, inspired by Ronaldo -- I've been trying to score goals by moving and running, but apparently if you stay in the same place long enough the goals will come to you.
Posted Saturday at 9:43 a.m.
Paul Attfield: Neil has demanded an apology because I overlooked his second-game odds this morning, and in deference his odds were slightly more spot-on than mind. Not that mine were that bad, mind. But then, when you do spend all night crouched over an abacus ... See, the things we bloggers do to bring you people the most up-to-date and accurate insider info.
With that in mind, I'm off to England Sunday to give the inside scoop on the biggest story of this, and any other, World Cup - the WAGS. Take that, FAC!
Posted Friday at 5:37 p.m.
John Doyle in Berlin: Disagree with Simon. Ukraine not the Turkey of this World Cup. That would be Switzerland. Ukraine simply overhyped and kind of struggled to emerge from a particularly weak group. Not impressed with France, still. So much talent there, so little teamwork. Not surprised they all seem to hate Domenech, he looks and acts like a particularly annoying minor civil servant with delusions of grandeur on the sidelines.
Goodnight from Berlin. Leipzig tomorrow.
Posted Friday at 5:15 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Well, so far France's all-star strike partnership of Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet are drawing more comparisons with the French starting pair for the 1998 World Cup final - Christophe Dugarry and Stephane Guiv'arch, both of whom would struggle to hit the side of a barn, from the inside - than their alteregos who ply their trade for Arsenal and Juventus, respectively. Halftime: France 0, Togo 0. They'd better get a move on, although Switzerland defender and Thierry's Arsenal teammate, Philippe Senderos has done the Tricolore a real favour by putting the Swiss in front. Now the French just need a win.
Posted Friday at 3:47 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Well, it seems Neil's suffering from a severe case of skivitis today, so I'll step into the breach. France vs. Togo: France clearly have to win, and I'll think they'll be desperate to make up for the thrown points last time after Vieira's disallowed header. So, I'm putting France at 65 per cent for the win, Togo at 25 per cent and 10 per cent for the draw. In the other matchup, Korea vs. Switzerland, I can see Korea at 35 per cent for the win, the Swiss 35 per cent, and 30 per cent for the draw. I guess we'll soon find out.
Posted Friday at 3:00 p.m.
Simon Beck: Julian Beltrame from Ottawa has written in with a reader response suggesting that many of the offside calls have been bad and that too many goals are being denied by over zealous calls from linesmen. I agree, Julian, and I would add that I think it's working the other way round too - Harry Kewell's winning goal against Croatia looking clearly offside to me, in one case. Offside has always been prone to human error because the action moves so quickly and the linesman has to be looking at the striker and the person delivering the pass simultaneously. Without instant replay, it's not going to change. If there were a system, as in NFL, where coaches can make a limited number of appeals per game (therefore, without taking advantange or exploting it), that might be a good thing.
Posted Friday at 2:37 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Talking of ads, this one's really been turning heads recently. It's much more the kind of image I want to see out of the England lads; let's just hope they show some of that fighting spirit on the field.
However, not everyone agrees . Thanks to the FAC for the heads up.
Posted Friday at 2:20 p.m.
Paul Attfield: And talking of the England captain, can I walk anywhere around downtown Toronto without my eyes being constantly accosted by this .
Now, I have no sense of smell, so I've no idea what it would smell like, but sweaty footballer would not be atop my list of scents, and it's things like this, being released at this crucial time, that make me wonder if Beckham is more interested in using his talents to become famous, than using them to help England win the World Cup. I don't see Ronaldinho pulling stunts like this. Be interesting to see what the FAC have to say on the matter ... Then again, isn't it obvious?
Posted Friday at 1:35 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Well, Posh Spice can certainly breathe a sigh of relief. It turns out that her husband David Beckham and England coach Sven Goran Eriksson are not married after all, and, in a surprise outburst by the Swede, they're not even engaged. Who knew?
Posted Friday at 1:27 p.m.
Simon Beck: Hard to find much to say about the Ukraine-Tunisia bore, except that Ukraine are something of an enigma. They have been underwhelming so far, but look as if they have the capacity to pull a few shockers in the knockout stage. They wouldn't win many fans in the process though. They have a kind of Turkey in 2002 look to them.
Posted Friday at 12:40 p.m.
Neil Campbell: I am desperately trying to avoid the scores today so I can watch the action tonight blissfully ignorant. So what do I see on the 16th floor of a downtown office building. A man in a Ukraine shirt looking very very happy and saying to his friend something about a missed penalty and, oh well, only needed a draw.
Posted Friday at 12:03 p.m.
Scott Colbourne: What is the emoticon for yawning? :O That looks right. This morning has been the lowlight of the World Cup. Crowds in both games are now booing everyone involved. Let's hope South Korea or even Togo can provide some entertainment this afternoon.
In the meantime, an item from the video-game world caught my wandering attention. According to the Wonderland blog , some cheeky guy applied for the job of Middlesborough manager and said he had learned the trade by playing a game called Football Manager. The team's chairman, Steve Gibbons, sent him a classic rejection letter: "Quite frankly we were of the opinion that your tenure with us would have been short-lived, as your undoubted talent would result in one of the big European Clubs seeking your services. We consider it a sign of our progress that someone of your status could consider us."
The full letter has been posted for your viewing enjoyment.
Posted Friday at 11:36 a.m.
John Doyle in Berlin: Second half starts in Berlin. No score. Tunisia down to ten men. Jaziri off for second yellow. He was. Asking for trouble, that lad . A fine thespian.
Posted Friday at 11:12 a.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: Speaking of the French - you were, weren't you Neil? - I offer a particularly English take on their woes in this tournament. Of course, a fair-minded person might point out that in the last eight years, France has won a World Cup and a European championship, while in the past forty years, England has won, well, nothing. But if you're going to really wallow in someone else's misfortune, might as well be those dodgy foreigners on the other side of the channel. This from Dominic Fifield in the Guardian: "The twilight of the gods was never supposed to be this traumatic. Les Bleus, a squad racked by frustration and pursued by fury, teeter on the brink of utter humiliation this evening with a sense of sadness and simmering amid the underachievment. The world is witnessing the slow death of a golden generation. It is the lack of dignity at their grotesque descent into ignominy which is most unnerving of all." Kind of makes you want to holler, "Allez les Bleus!", doesn't it.
Posted Friday at 10:16 a.m.
John Doyle in Berlin: Kicking off here in Berlin. Ukraine just need a draw to progress. Tunisia needs to win or it,s over. Very relaxed atmosphere in stadium, not like German game played here. Crowd did mass singing of Que Sera before the game. A very sweet scene.
Posted Friday at 10:11 a.m.
Neil Campbell: No surprise they whacked De Rossi with a four-game suspension for the elbow. But I'm glad they also gave three games to Mastroeni for the two-footed tackle in the same game.
Posted Friday at 10:01 a.m.
John Doyle in Berlin: Now at the Stadium here in Berlin for Ukraine/Tunisia. Paid the usual small fortune to T-Mobile for communication access during the Round of 16 and Quarters. This might feel like a low-key game from a distance but it's very important for both countres. Enormous pride is at stake in makng the next round and playing in a knockout stage aginst the big guns of the Old Soccer World.
By the way, much nattering here about English referee Graham Poll's bizarre performance in the Australia/Croatia game. Chap lost the plot. Three yellow cards for one player. Poll getting totally confused about the Yellow/Red system and then blowng the whistle to end it at outrageous moment. Sepp Blatter, the FIFA head who rarely says anything sensible, told a press conference, with common sense, "An error of this kind should not happen when there are four people in the team" (He means the team of officials, one ref, two assistants on the lines and a fourth official from FIFA watching all three.) What is incomprehensible is that no one intervened. I cannot understand it, it is like a blackout.
You know about ten days ago, when I wrote a story about the referee situation at this World Cup I heard from several seasoned referees in Canada and the U.S., and one American referee sad that the main problem was with the assistants on the lines who, he said, were too scared to make decisions and altert the referee to what they see.
Now, I think his point is well taken.
Posted Friday at 8:57 a.m.
Neil Campbell: True, France hasn't played well. But they've been a bit unlucky. They should have had a penalty against Switzerland when one of the Swiss players, I think it was Mueller, clearly handled Henry's shot. And Patrick Vieria's header against South Korea was very clearly over the line. They'll beat Togo today. Yes, they're without Zidane and yes they're all grumpy because they hate the coach. But I wouldn't want to play them in the second round. France 70 per cent 10 per cent Togo 20 per cent draw.
Three teams in this group could end up on five points. France will if they beat Togo. Switzerland and South Korea will if they draw. Goal difference in that case would Swiss plus 2 South Koreans plus one and France plus however many they beat Togo by.
If there is a winner in the Swiss game they go through as group winner. The loser is out if France beat Togo.
I like the Swiss midfield, particularly Tranquillo Barnetta. He's one of my favourite players in this World Cup. As for their back four I sometimes think they'd be better off putting four Toblerone bars back there. Still, I think they're slightly better. Switzerland 40 per cent. Draw 32 per cent. South Korea 28 per cent.
Posted Friday at 8:27 a.m.
Neil Campbell: The final day of group play is one of the weakest and opens with what should be the most obvious game of the round. Spain has an 88 per cent chance of beating Saudi Arabia. Draw: 8 per cent. Saudi Arabian win: 4 per cent.
Ukraine only needs a draw against Tunisia to go through. Tunisia isn't bad. They gave Spain a bit of a fright. But Ukraine is better. Let's say 55 per Ukraine, 25 per cent a draw and 20 per cent Tunisia.
Posted Friday at 8:12 a.m.
John Doyle in Berlin: Morning from Berlin. Off to Ukraine/Tunisia later. Should be another tension filled day as the opening round closes. Ukraine? France? Whither Old Europe and New Eurpope? Yeah, I know that sounds like an Economist magazine cover story. For your entertainmrnt and expanded perspective, I include this nifty vignette, just arrived from reader Madeleine in Australia: "Hey Doyle, what are the Socceroos' chances against 'intriguing' Italy? Which keeper will Guus field? Or do you think it comes down to the refs?? That Anglican prayer certainly seemed to cut more sway with the EPL ref.
Oh what a weary, bleary washout of a work-day this has been. It's 3.40 p.m. and we're all about to knock off and go to the pub. Exhausted. Giddy. These late nights are unsustainable. But somehow glorious."
Nice to know that at last World Cup fever has struck Australia and that this is truly the world's game for these few weeks.
Posted Friday at 7:46 a.m.
Neil Campbell: Here is the schedule as it stands for the second round, with kickoff times and TV.
Saturday
Germany v. Sweden, 11 a.m. TSN
Mexico v. Argentina, 3 p.m. TSN
Sunday
England v. Ecuador, 11 a.m. Sportsnet
The Netherlands v. Portugal, 3 p.m. TSN
Monday
Italy v. Australia, 11 a.m. Sportsnet
Group G winner v. Group H runnerup, 3 p.m. TSN
Tuesday
Brazil v. Ghana, 11 a.m. Sportsnet
Group H winner v. Group G runnerup, 3 p.m., Sportsnet
Posted Friday at 7:45 a.m.
Paul Attfield: Okay, so another 'red-card' game between Croatia and Australia, ending 2-2, with the Socceroos moving on to face, quite appropriately, Italy, the architects of the first 'red-card' game.
And as for poor, plucky Japan, they can somewhat hold their heads a little higher after nearly leading Brazil going into the halftime break. But it wasn't to be. Ronaldo grabbed his first with a header, and in doing so pulled ahead of Pele to become the highest-scoring Brazilian in World Cup finals history, but he didn't stop there.
After further strikes from Juninho and Gilberto Silva put the South Americans firmly in the driving seat, Ronaldo added a second, and tied Germany's Gerd Muller as the highest scoring player in World Cup finals history with 14. Not bad for a fattie.
They will now face Ghana in the last 16.
Posted Thursday at 5:09 p.m.
Simon Beck: So the Aussies advance. Kewell's goal was offside but whatever, Croatia had no business being anywhere near the second round in any case.
Perahps there'll be an England-Australia final, so we can beat them at soccer as well as cricket and rugby.
Posted Thursday at 5:05 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: Back from the Ghana party. Amazing how a relatively small number of very happy people with drums could transform a dark, dingy, smelly German pub (which so far, is the only kind I've encountered).
And as for the newer, rounder Ronaldo - as long as he doesn't have to run anywhere, he's still got plenty of skills. Mind you, a lot of strikers would look all right with that kind of service. That goal will at least keep him in the lineup for the next match.
Posted Thursday at 3:54 p.m.
Neil Campbell: 1-1 at halftime in both games. Ronaldo brought Brazil back with a header. My man Darijo Srna gave Croatia a two-minute lead in the other match but Craig Moore equalized from the spot after a dodgy penalty decision.
Posted Thursday at 3:52 p.m.
Simon Beck: Banzai!!!!! Cracking goal by Japan. Brazil samba-ing to embarrassing defeat?
Posted Thursday at 3:35 p.m.
Simon Beck: Ok guys, that's enough fighting on the terraces … keep your eyes on the game … because I think Ronaldo is even fatter today than he was four days ago. If he gets any fatter Richard Simmons will become his personal trainer and he'll have to appear on Dr. Phil.
Posted Thursday at 3:26 p.m.
Paul Attfield: And talking of all-time sporting cheaters , or should that Cheetahs these days?
Posted Thursday at 3:16 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Yep, got to love that sinking feeling, eh Scott? Kind of like the newly-named 'foot of justice'
Posted Thursday at 3:15 p.m.
Scott Colbourne: More on the many connections between the Croatian and Australian teams ahead of this afternoon's match. Apparently, both sides have been fighting over players with dual citizenship. I have been comparing Australia to Canada throughout this World Cup (part of the reason, in addition to having picked them in a pool, that I hope the Socceroos advance today), and here is another tip they have provided: Sign up every foreign-born player you can. If world-class players pass through Gander on their way to a New York wedding, Canadian soccer officials should be at the airport with immigration forms and a full red-and-white kit.
And any England fans feeling sickly and you don't know why? It was 20 years ago today that the "eel-like" Maradona scored his Hand of God goal.
Posted Thursday at 2:56 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: But before I go....speaking of parties, wonder if the news that just broke out of Italy will put a damper on the celebrations there and among the diaspora. Juventus, AC Milan, Lazio and Fiorentina have all been charged over the match fixing scandal, and are headed for "sports court". All four could be relegated.
Posted Thursday at 2:36 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Just before the Brazil game kicks off, the time is right to reveal the all-too-obvious truth. It's official, Ronaldo's a fatty
Posted Thursday at 2:35 p.m.
Paul Attfield: I'm putting on my anorak just for you now, Scott, to tell you that that piece of commentary was from the late Bryon Butler of the BBC.
How do I know this, well, it's not the Hand of God, but the Wisdom of Solomon.
Posted Thursday at 2:35 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: A rather boisterous Ghanaian victory party has broken out in the neighbourhood. Though of course my primary loyalty is to the blog, I feel it is my journalistic duty to go out and investigate. When/if I return, will report on the festivities.
Posted Thursday at 2:26 p.m.
Neil Campbell: My favourite Brazil player so far has been Ze Roberto, the midfielder. He's a wee assassin. When they played Croatia, and Croatian captain Niko Kovac hurt his ribs after starting the game in excellent form, Ze Roberto closed him down in the middle of the field and gave him a big whack. Kovac was subbed moments later. Of course when your favourite Brazil player is a combative midfielder that kind of sums up how Brazil have been playing. Other than Kaka the stars haven't been shining. Brazil doesn't have to win today but they have something to prove and I can't imagine any other outcome. Brazil 80 per cent to win 5 per cent Japan 15 per cent a draw.
Australia-Croatia is a bit of a Derby match. Seven members of the Aussie squad are from Croatian families and three of the Croats were born and raised in Oz. Australia can advance with a draw while Croatia need to win. Because of that I think you'll see a different Croatia today, a more adventurous attacking team. Croatia is solid enough at the back at handle Australia. They have plenty of talent going forward, although Dado Prso has been a bit below his best. Darijo Srna is a terrific player and I thought Luca Modric added a lot on Sunday when he came on against Japan. I'll say 45 per cent Croatia, 30 per cent a draw and 25 per cent Australia.
Posted Thursday at 1:58 p.m.
Scott Colbourne: That is a world-class headline. Almost makes up for Paul linking to a clip of some lucky sod scoring against Liverpool: You have to shoot from there when you play the Reds and one is bound to go in sooner or later.
Football does inspire great coverage from commentators and headline writers across the pond -- some of the time. As far as the feeds we are getting for this World Cup, they have been dry to the point of being oxygen-free. That Woods guy gets off the odd good line -- thanks to the reader sending me regular list of his highlights -- but how many times has John Helm used "Cometh the hour, cometh the man?" I can count four, but I may have turned the volume down on a couple more. I seem to remember Neil voicing his displeasure earlier, but I'm noticing it more as the tournament goes on.
I have heard nothing that compares to a five-second clip spliced into the BBC radio show and podcast Fighting Talk about Maradona scampering through the English team in the 1980s. I don't know enough about U.K. presenters to name the commentator, but he describes the Argentine as "eel-like" and a "squat little fellow." Fighting Talk is great stuff, too, a game show and talk fest about footy -- you can listen to it instead of Helm and have a better time watching a game. The World Cup edition available now also features Canada's Greg Brady -- a good name, but it's no Pimpong or Papa Bouba Diop, my favourite from 2002.
Posted Thursday at 1:25 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: By the way, going through the reader comments, I notice that we've finally drawn a dissenter when it comes to the merits of the Beautiful Game. As my pal and sometime broadcast partner Bob McCown learned long ago, the easiest hot button in the world is to suggest on air or in print that soccer is boring. Never fails to get an outraged reaction. Interesting to see if anyone out there rises to this challenge/bait.
Posted Thursday at 1:19 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Quite amazing you would post that Paul because I almost mentioned that very thing to you in my note on Arsenal. My daily St. Mirren update had just came by e-mail seconds before. Yes, the Buddies (St. Mirren) are opening in Inverness and Gus McPherson, the manager, is disappointed because he had asked for a home tie.
Opening day in Scotland is July 29. And I'm hoping St. Mirren sign up with the internet site that does a lot of live Scottish football It's five quid a match.
By the way, your picture of the Inverness ground is quite a bit out of date.
Posted Thursday at 1:08 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: Speaking of headlines, while we have a break in the action, the Daily Mirror outdoes itself today with the front page screamer: Wag Rage. Seems the England wives-and-girlfriends contingent had a most unpleasant evening in Cologne the other night (sort of like me with the coked out fans on the trolley). Their private jet was an hour late departing. I quote: "Posh Spice led an angry Wags' revolt when they were left stranded at a baking-hot airport with no food or drink." Just the thought of an angry Posh send chills through me. Strangely enough, the story is written less tongue-in-cheek that you might imagine.
Posted Thursday at 1:00 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Yes, Neil, I did see that. But the real action will clearly be at Caledonian Thistle, where Inverness CT will be taking on the mighty St. Mirren. Now, which channel can I get that on here in Toronto? Or maybe they'll release it on DVD afterwards? Check out the Scottish 'Theatre of Dreams' . What an atmosphere that must be on game day. Speaking of Inverness, a while back they did inspire the best sports headline of all time: 'Super Caley Go Ballistic Celtic Are Atrocious!'. I think Neil will enjoy that one.
Posted Thursday at 12:48 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: So now we've got one real wild card in the round of sixteen. Wonder if we'll get another. I guess you could make the case that Ecuador were a bit of surprise. But the only other real bolt out of the blue possibility left on the board is Australia. Otherwise, the tournament has gone pretty much the way it was handicapped. And it's still tough to come up with a strong conviction about the relative strength of the big teams, since they haven't faced off with anything on the line. Obviously Argentina-Netherlands last night didn't answer any questions. The big drama at this World Cup is all going to be left for the knockout rounds.
Posted Thursday at 12:45 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Speaking of fixtures, Paul, the Premier League schedule was released this morning and I see Arsenal get Aston Villa at home on opening weekend in the new stadium.
Posted Thursday at 12:33 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Italy plays its second-round match Monday in Kaiserslautern at 11 a.m. EDT, almost certainly against either Croatia or Australia. Ghana plays its second-round match Tuesday in Dortmund at 11 a.m. EDT. That will be against Brazil.
Things are looking good for Italy. If they get past Croatia or Australia their quarter-final opponent would be probably Ukraine or South Korea or Switzerland.
Posted Thursday at 12:27 p.m.
Simon Beck: Ghana didn't really merit victory over the US, but it's a fantastic feat for them to get through from what proved to be the toughest group if all.
Cameroon, Nigeria and Senegal have a worthy successor. Meanwhile, what a surprise to see the Czechs go down so meekly. So much talent gone to waste. They'll be crying into their Pilsner Urquell.
Posted Thursday at 11:59 a.m.
Paul Attfield: And if there is a better name in this World Cup than Razak Pimpong, I want to hear it. And before I get a Kaka nomination, he's not allowed in the name of decency.
I know some people out there would have liked to have seen Estonia qualify, particularly because they would have had Mart Poom in net.
Posted Thursday at 11:39 a.m.
Paul Attfield: If Ghana can qualify for the second round of the World Cup it would be a truly amazing feat (hopefully I haven't put the hex on them), but it's not like they haven't got pedigree. They lost to Argentina in the final of the 2001 World Youth Championship to an Argentine side powered by 11 goals from some chap called Javier Saviola, and they've produced some good European-based players such as Pele (Abedi, not Edson Arantes), who won the Champions League with Marseille in 1993, and Tony Yeboah, who enjoyed some good years with Leeds United and scored one of the best goals in EPL history. Apologies to Scott, and for the music. I can't believe I had to write all that just to plug the clip!
Posted Thursday at 11:31 a.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: Italy looks far more settled today than they did in the red card game against the Americans. This is the first time in this tournament that you could make the case they might go far.
Simon, how old do you think Freddy Adu will be in four years? Thirty? There seems to still be some question about his birth certificate. And he hasn't exactly torn up the MLS. We'll get to see how Neil's Toronto FC handle him next season. It's fine and dandy to pick at the Americans' style or lack thereof, but they're in what now certainly looks like the toughest group in this World Cup, they still might get through, and four years ago they were unlucky to lose to the Germans in the quarter finals. It is a college based system, and that may not reflect the growing inluence of hispanics in the U.S. But remember that Canda used to be dead even with the Americans in this sport, maybe even ahead at times, and now we're miles behind. They must be doing something right.
Posted Thursday at 11:22 a.m.
Simon Beck: The U.S. has made some great advances, given the national indifference to soccer in favour of soporific sports like basketball and baseball, but you have to ask why a nation of 280-million people, and a massive immigrant population made up increasingly of soccer-crazy Latinos, isn't tapping into that huge wealth of potential talent. It may be because the U.S. players tend to go through a college system that isn't very open to poorer immigrant families. Whatever the cause, there's barely a hint of the finesse and amazing skill which the top powers have, the kind of players that can turn a game in an instant. The U.S. team is made up of journeymen who play hard but have little sparkle. Will Freddie Adu make a difference in four years time?
Posted Thursday at 11:13 a.m.
John Doyle in Hamburg: Second half under way here. Italy up by 1. Czechs down a man. Polak off for dumb a second yellow. Is he the most hated man in Czech Republic now? Italy looks comfortably in control. Nedved, mind you, playing like a lion.
Posted Thursday at 11:12 a.m.
Peter Mallett: Halftime: Was to watch Italy v. Czech Republic (Italy 1-0 on Materazzi header) too but haven't been able to turn away from USA v. Ghana. It's too exciting. Ghana opened the scoring as Haminu Dramani scored after stripping the ball from U.S. defender Claudio Reyna (who limped off the field but returned briefly). The U.S. battled back on a beautiful pass by DaMarcus Beasley to Clint Dempsey to tie it. To close the half, there was also controversy when U.S. defender Oguchi Onyewu was called for a questionable penalty kick and Stephen Appiah converted the spot kick to put Ghana up 2-1. If Ghana win, they qualify. The U.S. need to win and get help.
Posted Thursday at 11:05 a.m.
Paul Attfield: Good point about the opening-up of the body to receive the pass.
I remember reading that on the back of David Batty's soccer card - David Batty! Still, at least he wasn't giving out tips on taking penalties!
Posted Thursday at 10:58 a.m.
Neil Campbell: Where are all our bloggers today? 1-0 Italy and 2-1 Ghana at halftime. The United States had tied the game through Clint Dempsey but Stephen Appiah put away a penalty in first-half stoppage time.
Posted Thursday at 10:58 a.m.
Simon Beck: While the Czechs do all they can to let someone else in the back door, Ghana and the U.S. are fighting it out tooth and nail.
The U.S. finally scored a goal on their own behalf, a lovely conversion by Dempsey, before a very dodgy penalty gave Ghana back the lead at 2-1. If either team go through at the expense of the land of the original Budweiser, it will be a big shock, but not undeserved.
Posted Thursday at 10:54 a.m.
Neil Campbell: 1-0 Italy and 1-0 Ghana. If this holds up Italy goes through as group winners and Ghana also goes through.
Posted Thursday at 10:38 a.m.
Neil Campbell: 0-0 so far in both games. Anyone know why Nesta was taken off and Materazzi put on for Italy so early on? I assume it's some kind of injury worry.
It's been a pleasure watching some of the midfielders in this tournament. Some of the technique is fabulous, the way they open up their bodies when they receive a pass so they are instantly is position to make that one great pass. An average midfielder takes the ball and then turns; the greats allow the ball to come across their bodies so they're in better position.
Posted Thursday at 10:24 a.m.
John Doyle in Hamburg: We are kicking off here in Hamburg. Coolish afternoon. 19 degrees. Totti starts for Italy. Toni doesn't. And Del Piero on bench. Baros starts for Czechs.
Posted Thursday at 10:07 a.m.
Simon Beck: Hard to decide whether to watch the Italy-Czech or US-Ghana game … I think the latter will be more exciting, but it will also be fascinating to see how the Prague boys shape up against the Azzuri diving team after that bad performance in the last game. Full disclosure: since we're talking odds, I may or may not have taken advantage of a price of 140-1 quoted for the U.S. only a few months before the tournament, and although their chances seem even longer than that right now, my heart is with Bruce Arena's men today.
Speaking of which, try this out: Close your eyes during any footage of Arena giving a press conference, and tell me he doesn't sound like John Malkovich.
Posted Thursday at 9:45 a.m.
Neil Campbell: That's a funny story about Paddy Power, with whom, by the way, I have never been financially involved.
Posted Thursday at 9:08 a.m.
John Doyle in Hamburg: Hello lads, from Hamburg again today. I'm here for Italy/Czech game. In Media centre, surrounded by very excitable chaps from the Italian press. All reading the Italian sports papers and arguing over them. Then talking maniacially on the phone. They could be getting the latest on Totti or Del Piero in the line-up, or their could be talking to their tailors back in Milano. I dunno. Anyway, it's tension-filled game for the Azzurri, with everybody keeping an eye on the on the other games today, as anything can happen from this group.
And, I gather, the authorities in Italy will issue a statement today, just after the game here ends, on the the next stage in the investigation of the corruption scandal in Italian soccer. A lot of lawyers and agents for these guys playing here, are on standby.
I bow to Neil's knowledge of the betting racket. But I'll tell you a wee story about one of the betting companies mentioned. A few years ago I watched a Portugal/Ireland qualifying game at a Portuguese social club in Toronna. The Portuguese crowd watched avidly, of course, and at half-time pondered the advertising hoardings at Landsdowne Road in Dublin. The guys around me were very amused and taken aback - they thought the "Paddy Power" sign was a sort of "Go Ireland!" declaration, asserting the the strength and invincibility of a thing called Paddy power.
Actually, of course, Paddy Power is the Turf Accountant who takes Neil's money, which probably accounts for the Celtic Tiger.
Posted Thursday at 9:07 a.m.
Neil Campbell: This is the real Group of Death we'll see this morning. Ghana and the United States showed with strong second-game performances that they're no pushovers and as a result nobody from this group has yet booked a spot in the second round. Italy will do so with a draw. The Czech Republic needs a win to be sure. Ghana need a a win to be sure but a tie will do with a little bit of help. The United States needs a win and some help.
Italy played poorly against the United States and were stung by fierce criticism at home. They won't lose today and technically they don't need to win but if I were Marcello Lippi I wouldn't want my team going into the second round on the heels of two draws. I think that will be their motivation. Italy, then, is 55 per cent to win, 30 per cent a draw and 10 per cent a Czech win.
If there is a team at this World Cup I want to see do well it is the Americans. It would be good for Major League Soccer and, let's face it, Major League Soccer is us, with Toronto FC going in next year. Maybe that's what I am going against the public on this one and picking an American win as the most likely occurrence. Midfielders Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah are Ghana's most important players and I think the U.S. coach, Bruce Arena, will find a way to shut them down in this match. Saturday's two goalscorers for Ghana, Asamoah Gyan and Sully Muntari, are suspended. The United States at 35 per cent, a draw at 33 per cent and Ghana at 32 per cent.
John, here's an anorak moment just for you.
So far in the tournament my top-rated pick has won 27 of 40 matches. I've slightly underrated that top pick, though, because the average win probability I've assigned has been 61 per cent and they've won 68 per cent of the matches. I've overrated the losing teams, meanwhile, at an average win probability of 14 per cent; they've won only 8 per cent. The draws have been right on. My average probability has been 25 per cent and, indeed, 10 of the 40 games have ended in draws.
Posted Thursday at 8:48 a.m.
Neil Campbell: Argentina has now become the World Cup favourite in the eyes of most bookmakers. William Hill of Britain, Paddy Power of Ireland and the betting exchange Betfair all have Argentina now as a slight favourite to win the tournament ahead of Brazil. Ladbrokes still has Brazil as the favourite.
Posted Thursday at 8:23 a.m.
Neil Campbell: In my opinion this is the best day of the World Cup so far, the day it hurt most to come to work. Eight teams play today and seven have a realistic chance of making the second round. Japan has a chance mathematically to make the second round but not much more than that. Still, they're playing Brazil and Brazil is always watchable.
It's Italy versus the czech Republic on TSN this morning at 10 a.m. while Sportsnet has the United States versus Ghana match.
At 3 p.m., TSN gets a fascinating Australia-Croatia game and Sportsnet has the Brazilians against Japan.
Posted Thursday at 8:06 a.m.
Neil Campbell: Didn't see either of the afternoon games but I know which one I'll be watching first tonight: Ivory Coast versus Serbia and Montenegro. Sounds like a cracker — S&M two goals up, Ivory Coast battled back to win 3-2. I'm willing to put it on tape for your lads if you're, um, willing to pay a small fee.
So it's Germany vs. Sweden Saturday at 11 a.m. EDT and Mexico vs. Argentina Saturday at 3 p.m. EDT. On Sunday, it'll be England vs. Ecuador at 11 a.m. EDT and Portugal vs. the Netherlands at 3 p.m. EDT.
Quarter-finals on Friday, June 30: Germany or Sweden vs. Argentina or Mexico; England or Ecuador vs. Portugal or the Netherlands.
Posted Wednesday at 5:18 p.m.
Simon Beck: You're right John…these days I'm relaxed no matter who QPR lose to.
Posted Wednesday at 5:09 p.m.
John Doyle in Berlin: Evening all from Berlin. Not much from me earlier today. My first day here that had no travel and no game. Laundry, banking and an actual sit-down meal today.
I hope the game we've all just witnessed is not a foretaste of the next round - two strong, scoring teams cagily playing to a draw. In the next round, Lord Save Us, they might do that and wait to play the dice of the penalty shoot-out. As for Maradona, the first time he appeared on the screen at the first Argentina game, I was watching in a Berlin hotel bar. People actually cheered when he turned up. Now I imagine the same crew - all five of them - are ready to throw stuff at the screen.
It surprises me, pleasantly, that the anoraks are not busy studying and discussing the Carling Cup draw, made today. Simon, I see that QPR is drawn against Northampton. You'll sleep happily, I expect.
Posted Wednesday at 5:00 p.m.
Simon Beck: Sounds like everyone watching the Argie-Dutch snoozefest drew the short straw. The Ivory Coast matchup with S and M turns out to have been a colourful, if meaningless, encounter, as the West Africans score a 3-2 triumph.
Posted Wednesday at 4:59 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: The Dutch just took Van Nistelrooy off - brought in Ryan Babel, a kid who plays for Ajax, making his first World Cup appearance. Interesting how invisible Van Nistelrooy was tonight without Robben out there working to get him the ball.
Posted Wednesday at 4:17 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: The Argentina supporters (who are surrounding me where I'm sitting tonight, and so far win the award as best singers of this World Cup) agree with you about Messi, Scott. They went crazy when his name came up as one of the starters, and you can feel a little murmur every time he touches the ball. I think there's still a chance that he could be the story of this tournament.
Obviously, Argentina hasn't had to really force the issue so far - and tonight, they're clearly on cruise control so far, as are the Dutch. But when they get to the games they have to win, against teams that won't be as easily carved up as Serbia Montenegro, they may need somebody to step up, even in what is obviously an extremely talented pack. Not hard to see that he's special.
Posted Wednesday at 4:01 p.m.
Simon Beck: Today, it seems the anoraks are doubling as Arsenal fans. Enough Bergkamp, already. His only relevance to the current game is that the Netherlands could desperately do with him. Argentina are looking stronger after 45 minutes.
Posted Wednesday at 3:56 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Sitting here watching the Argentina-Netherlands game with Herr Beck, I've noticed he cannot stop raving about the Argentine hairdos, or lack of a good one. Had to do a bit of research and he's right. You'd think with all the money being pumped into the game these days, and ending up in players' pockets, that they'd be able to get a decent stylist. Look at the 1978 squad. Now check out today's team, 28 years later! Clearly there's no Toni & Guy in Buenos Aires!
Posted Wednesday at 3:50 p.m.
Paul Attfield:Ah, the memories. Just for you Scott, as well as art lovers everywhere, here's that other goal I was talking about between the 1:50 and 2:30 time of this other Bergkamp movie, although this has Queen rather than Jack Johnson as its soundtrack. Interesting, hmmm . . .
Posted Wednesday at 3:35 p.m.
Scott Colbourne: I'm assuming the Bergkamp goal is the one at the 45-second mark of this lovingly-made highlight reel. I take no responsibility for the kisses at the beginning or the music. Fernando Torres almost scored a very similar one for Spain against Tunisia -- it's the first touch, controlling a ball sent over the shoulder of the striker, that is just amazing.
I'm stuck following the Argentine-Netherlands game at work instead of watching it, but I'll be very curious to see what Messi does with more playing time. He played really well in the Argentines' second game, but Serbia & Montenegro had really given up before he came on.
Posted Wednesday at 3:20 p.m.
Peter Mallett: An interesting point about the progress of the tournament which many have missed: England's Calgary-born midfielder Owen Hargreaves isn't the only Canadian involved in this summer's World Cup. If you have a look on the Dutch bench, sitting right beside Dutch coach Marco van Basten at today's game is assistant coach John Van't Schip of Fort St. John B.C.. I caught up with Van't Schip for an interview recently and he told me all about the thrills of playing in the World Cup. "My dream to play in a final round of the World Cup became true in 1990 in Italy," Van't Schip told the Globe and Mail. "I played two matches against Germany and England, but we didn't play as good as two years before when we became the European Champion in 1988. However, it was a great experience to play in the 1990 FIFA World Cup."
Posted Wednesday at 3:12 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Or you could pace yourself, and throw every other can at Maradona instead. Would cost you a bit in TVs, but possibly more satisfying, and you'd get less of a hangover.
Posted Wednesday at 3:12 p.m.
Paul Attfield: I couldn't agree more, Stephen. Funny thing was it was the second goal of that ilk he'd scored that season after a very similar one against Leicester City in the EPL.
And in retrospect, with the Ronaldo will he/won't he play in the final, and the resulting 3-0 thrashing that ensued, a France-Netherlands matchup would have been far more preferable for the neutral fan.
Posted Wednesday at 3:02 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: And yes, Maradona is in the house once again. It would make a great drinking game -though perhaps a bit early in the day for it back home, and inappropriate for those goofing off at the office and reading the blog. Have one every time they show Maradona on television. You'd be like my English buddies from last night by the end of the first half.
Posted Wednesday at 3:01 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: Paul, I was there to watch the Bergkamp goal in 98. The best I've ever seen in the flesh. I thought the Dutch team in that tournament could easily have won it all. They lost on penalties to Brazil in the semi final.
Posted Wednesday at 2:54 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Okay, we're getting ready for what, on paper, should have been the best match of the opening round. Obviously the lineup changes and the fact that both teams have already qualified may change that slightly.
This is the third meeting between Argentina and the Netherlands at the World Cup, and although the Dutch have won two of the meetings, the Albicelestes took the one that counted most, the 1978 final, although admittedly they were at home in Buenos Aires and Johan Cruyff was sitting at home after retiring just before the tournament began.
Still, that was a little before my time, so it was the latest meeting in Marseille in 1998 that evokes vivid memories for me, especially as it was the latest Dutch genius, Dennis Bergkamp, who scored one of the World Cup's great goals to win the quarter-final after the new Maradona (at the time), Ariel Ortega got sent off after head-butting the Dutch goalie. Must be something about that Argentine No. 10 shirt!
Posted Wednesday at 2:44 p.m.
Neil Campbell: This is not the first time Argentina has played the Netherlands after a 6-0 pounding of an opponent. The same thing happened in 1978. But that was the World Cup final and Argentina won. This is simply a third group match with both teams having already qualified.
Argentina wins the group with a draw. The Netherlands need a victory. What's at stake? The group winners play Mexico but then they would face a likely quarter-final against Germany. The runnerup plays Portugal and then a likely quarter-final against England and a likely semi-final against Brazil.
Both teams are resting or protecting key players but Argentina is deeper so that probably gives them the advantage. I'll assign 37 per cent probability to an Argentine win, 33 per cent to a draw and 31 per cent to a Dutch win.
Serbia and Montenegro has been a major disappointment whereas Ivory Coast has just been unlicky to come up against two top teams. Ivory Coast 60 per cent to win, S&M 15 per cent and 25 per cent a draw.
Posted Wednesday at 2:37 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: We now have the starting lineups for Netherlands-Argentina. As suspected, what's notable is who's not playing. The Dutch will be without five players who have received one yellow card: Joris Mathijsen, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Arjen Robben, John Heitinga and Mark Van Bommel. Argentina will sit down the similarly carded Gabriel Heinze, Javier Saviola and Hernan Crespo.
What that means, among other things, is that we get both Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi starting for Argentina,which should be a treat, plus two players making their debuts in this World Cup, defenders Leandro Cufre and Gabriel Milito. And for the Dutch, Dirk Kuyt of Feyenoord (who, at very least, has a whole lot of supporters wearing his name on their backs) steps in for Robben, and the debutantes are Kew Jaliens and Tim De Cler.
One other note - for the first time in this World Cup, it actually feels a bit cooling sitting in the stands.
Posted Wednesday at 2:24 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Mexico plays Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. EDT in Leipzig against Argentina if Argentina wins or draws this afternoon, or the Netherlands if they beat Argentina. Portugal plays Sunday at 3 p.m. EDT against the loser of this afternoon's game or against the Netherlands if it's a draw. That game will take place in Nuremberg.
Posted Wednesday at 12:33 p.m.
Peter Mallett: Fulltime in Leipzig. Iran 1, Angola 1. Mexico advances despite their 2-1 loss to Portugal in Gelsenkirchen and Angola are packing their bags in disappointment.
Posted Wednesday at 12:01 p.m.
Peter Mallett: Fulltime Portugal 2, Mexico 1. But the big question remains: CXan Angola break the deadlock in Leipzig?- It's currently Iran 1, Angola 1, but a 2-1 win would give Angola a tie in points with Mexico but the edge in goal differential. It is going right to the wire with only a few minutes to go in this game.
Posted Wednesday at 11:54 a.m.
Peter Mallett: 80 min - Iran 1, Angola 1 after a clinical finish by Bakhtiarizadeh of Iran - this helps Mexico's hope to advance. It stills trail Portugal 2-1.
Posted Wednesday at 11:40 a.m.
Peter Mallett: 61 min Angola 1, Iran 0. Flavio Amado has just scored a sensational header for Angola and given hope for them to overtake Mexico in the standings with some more goals. Mexico trail Portugal 2-1
Posted Wednesday at 11:27 a.m.
Peter Mallett: 55 min - Portugal 2, Mexico 1 ... Omar Bravo steps up to the penalty spot and gives us one of the greatest misses in the World Cup. The usually adept finisher struck his shot so wide and airborne - I saw it whiz past my window out here in Burlington, Ont. Is there any way back for Mexico - is there any hope for Angola to advance as they are tied 0-0 on 55 min with Iran?
Posted Wednesday at 11:20 a.m.
Scott Colbourne: All of England is busy Neil -- defending set plays over and over again. Well, with the exception of the bunch Steve bumped into on the trolley. They are gripping their heads and sobbing somewhere in Germany.
This Portugal-Mexico game is a chippy one, and plenty of gamesmanship on both sides. The Mexican captain, Marquez, was caught trying to slyly punch a corner kick out of his area -- that led to a penalty and Portugal's second goal. Then, after a corner kick at the other end, the Portuguese keeper went down gripping his left knee. Ref stopped the action and Ricardo was treated for a minute or two -- but he forgot which leg he claimed to have hurt and was all of a sudden rubbing his right knee and grimacing. If play is stopped so a player can get treatment, that player should be forced to sit out for five minutes -- it's been said before but it would prevent games like this from breaking down into farce.
Mexico's Bravo just missed from the penalty spot -- sent it about 25 rows into the stands. That was such a bad miss it is almost suspicious.
And a question from a game a few days back: Does anyone know why Spanish fans would be swinging a U.S. confederate flag during a game with Tunisia? I assumed it was some odd, imported symbol of racism, but someone has suggested it could have been a regional flag. Any ideas?
Posted Wednesday at 11:19 a.m.
Simon Beck: Hey Neil - England fan here. Hello guv'nor!
Is it just me or does Mexico's coach look like he just wandered off the set of a cheesy porno movie? (after getting dressed of course).
As for Portugal, I disagree with Neil; I think they are more impressive than I expected, and could cause a shock against Argentina or Holland. They do seem to have attitude problems, that's true. But Big Phil has the stature to keep them playing together.
Posted Wednesday at 11:14 a.m.
Peter Mallett: Halftime: Portugal 2, Mexico 1. One of the best halves I have seen all tournament. End-to-end action, goal-mouth spills and hard tackles. Hoping to see Mexico tie it up in the 2nd frame and wonder if Portugal goalkeeper Ricardo won't be taken out of the game after a knee-to-knee collision with Mexico forward Francisco Fonseca in the 40th minute. He appears to be still feeling it. Wonder if both teams can keep the pace up for the second half and if their advice of their coaches might not be to avoid any more serious injuries, cautions or ejections.
Posted Wednesday at 10:57 a.m.
Neil Campbell: Where are our England supporters today? Actually, it's rather nice to have an England-free day on the blog.
0-0 Iran-Angola after 35 minutes.
Better game is Portugal-Mexico. It was 2-0 Portugal but Mexico has pulled one back.
Posted Wednesday at 10:42 a.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: Good morning all. I'm also looking forward to the game here tonight between the Netherlands and Argentina. Unfortunately, with only the top spot in the group at stake, and not much to choose between the two cross over opponents (Portugal and Mexico), it looks like it's going to be a bit more like a friendly. The Dutch may sit down all six of their players who are on yellow cards — including Robben. Same for Argentina, who have three on yellows. No one wants to risk a suspension in the round of sixteen.
Quite an eventful night and morning. Getting back from the stadium in Cologne last night was a real adventure. No transportation available, so I had to walk miles and miles before finally finding a trolley stop. Turned out to be the world's slowest trolley. And my car turned out to be filled with the most wasted group of England supporters I've ever laid eyes on (which is saying something). Not just booze, but smoking dope and snorting coke — I'm not kidding — in the back of the trolley car. Not sure what happened to them after they stumbled off. Fortunately, they were too incapacitated to make trouble with a group of singing Swedish fans who were at the same stop. I asked one of the Swedes what their song lyrics meant. "England, take your ugly girls and go home," he said. A particularly Swedish kind of insult, I suppose.
The upside was a lovely train ride back down the Rhein valley today. Most of the trains here fly along through non-scenic flatlands and industrial areas. Somehow I ended up on the milk run today, which meant I could sit and count the castles (more than fifty over the course of an hour), wonder how they manage to pick the grapes from near vertical slopes, and watch the cruise boats sail by.
I'll check in later from the Waldstadion.
Posted Wednesday at 9:44 a.m.
Peter Mallett: Will it be bad news for goal hungry fans this morning? Looks like several of Mexico and Portugal's biggest shooting stars will be sitting out today's big Group D clash with Mexican coach Ricardo La Volpe dropping attacking players Gerardo Torrado, Zinha and Guillermo Franco as they have all earned a yellow card. Meanwhile, Portugal coach Big Phil - Luiz Felipe Scolari - will be sitting down as many as five of his starters including strikers Cristiano Ronaldo and Pedro Pauleta , defender Nuno Valente, Midfielders Deco and Costinha for today's game.
Posted Wednesday at 9:44 a.m.
Neil Campbell: The showcase game of the morning, if you can call it that, is a matchup of two unbeaten teams but they are two unbeaten teams I have found to be disappointing. Portugal was very pedestrian after the first 10 minutes against Angola and although they were better against Iran they still didn't look like a team capable of going deep into the tournament. They're not a happy team either. I thought it was pretty nervy of Cristiano Ronaldo to step up to take that penalty on Saturday given the sort of game he was having. He's really an overrated selfish twerp and Portugal would be better off without him and his stupid stepovers. Deco should have taken that penalty.
We're not likely to see Cristiano Ronaldo today, nor Deco for that matter. Those two, plus Pauleta, Costinha, and Nuno Valente, are carrying yellow cards.
Mexico has also been a bit disappointing, putting away Iran only after Iran fell into a defensive shell and then not scoring at all against Angola.
This is one of those rare cases where one is tempted to tab a draw as the most likely result. So far in the World Cup 22 per cent of the matches have finished level. There is a much higher probability of a draw here, 34 per cent. That leaves 36 per cent for Portugal and 30 per cent for Mexico.
Iran-Angola reminds me of Paraguay versus T&T yesterday. Angola, like T&T, can still qualify. But Iran, like Paraguay, are the better team. I'll say 60 per cent Iran, 10 per cent Angola and 30 per cent a draw.
Posted Wednesday at 9:27 a.m.
Neil Campbell: I'm looking forward to seeing the Netherlands today, or tonight in my case, I don't think they'll beat Argentina but I like the system they're using, the 4-3-3.
For those new to the game, that three-number series you often see refers to the system of play. It's the number of defenders followed by the number of midfielders followed by the number of attackers. It's nominal, of course, because everybody is expected to contribute in some way to attacks and everybody is expected to defend (yes, David Beckham, that means you). The standard is 4-4-2. Sometimes you'll see a more sophisicated breakdown. For example, 4-1-2-1-2 might mean four defenders then a holding midfielder than two wider central midfielders then a withdrawn forward and finally two strikers.
What I like about the Netherlands way of playing is that two of their attackers, Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben, play on the flanks so there is plenty of width in their attacks which means there is more open space on the pitch. It's nice to watch. Germany, which plays 4-4-2, has nevertheless used the flanks similarly well, particularly on the left side. Brazil, also 4-4-2, has traditionally used their full backs to bomb down the wings, though that hasn't been as effective in this event. I don't think England has used the wings well enough so far. They have two wide midfielders in Beckham and Cole whose natural inclination is to move to the centre.
Today's games: Portugal-Mexico at 10 a.m. EDT on TSN and Iran versus Angola at the same time on Sportsnet.
Sportsnet has the big game at 3 p.m., Argentina versus the Netherlands while TSN offers Serbia and Montenegro against Ivory Coast at the same time.
Posted Wednesday at 8:23 a.m.
John Doyle in Berlin: Neil makes the key point — a shocking defensive display at this level and a complete inability to deal with set-pieces.
The latter has been England's problem for years. It was a huge problem in Portugal at Euro 2004, but David "Calamity" James was blamed. Tonight you could see Robinson's complete frustration with the back four. By my count, in the last few minutes, Sweden had two balls hit or scrape the crossbar and another frantically hoofed off the line. England were lucky to escape with a draw.
As for Owen, it's comical. Can't these guys equip themselves with the right boots for the grass? How hard is it to to avoid wrecking your knee when there's not an opposing player anywhere near? Not very hard. And Rooney? Not fit yet and frustrated. With Owen out, can anybody explain why Sven brought along Theo Walcott and not Jermaine Defoe? Or indeed why Sven doesn't seem to include dealing with set-pieces as essential preparation.
Here in Berlin, with the windows open, it's that beep-beep, go-Germany thing going on all night in heavy traffic. . . . The Germans are pumped.
Posted Tuesday at 6:06 p.m.
Scott Colbourne: Just back from the local, where the consensus was that Joe Cole was man of the match and England's goals were much better than Sweden's goals, which apparently counts for something entering the next round.
Best quote: "Sweden looks like England used to look, but then so does England." I'm not sure I understand it now, but it seemed like pure genius at the time.
There were gasps when replays of Owen's injury were shown and more than a few comments akin to Phillip's: "He was going to hurt himself sooner or later — at least he got it out of the way early."
But there were also quips about his replacement, Peter Crouch: "You would expect Crouch's legs to snap for no reason, but Owen is so much closer to the ground." (Okay, that one is mine, but it got some laughs so I'm passing it on.)
Posted Tuesday at 5:43 p.m.
Neil Campbell: That was a shocking defensive display by England. Looked like everybody was frozen whenever the ball came near the penalty box. If I were an England supporter that would worry me a lot more than what I saw earlier in the tournament.
Here's how it sets up: Germany v. Sweden, Saturday 11 a.m.; England v. Ecuador, Sunday 11 a.m.
If England beat Ecuador their quarter-final will be June 30, a Friday, in Hamburg at 3 p.m. EDT. They will play either the runner-up in Group C (likely the Netherlands) or the winner of Group D (likely Portugal).
Germany's quarter-final, if they beat Sweden, will also be June 30, in Berlin, at 11 a.m. EDT. That promises to be an epic because Argentina is the most likely opposition.
Posted Tuesday at 5:27 p.m.
Simon Beck: England just can't beat Sweden. 2-2 probably a fair result, however. One of the most exciting games so far and a major step up in quality from England.
One negative was seeing Rooney throw a hissyfit after being substituted. He should be glad he was fit enough to play as long as he did.
England probably won't have the same problems defending in the air from set pieces against Ecuador, but they have some work to do securing their penalty box against the tough teams that will hit them in the knockout stages.
Posted Tuesday at 4:55 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Cologne: England is going to be just fine moving on...just so long as they don't have to defend any corners or free kicks for the rest of the tournament.
Posted Tuesday at 4:51 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Beautiful movement, crisp passing and pinpoint accuracy on the finish. 2-1 ENGLAND. Thanks goodness Sven brought on super Stevie G. He saves England once again.
Posted Tuesday at 4:44 p.m.
Neil Campbell: England. First half. Crisp passing. Lovely movement. Effective. Second half. Missiles aimed at Crouch. Shoddy passing. Ineffective.
Posted Tuesday at 4:24 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Not exactly a Gordon Banks kind of save there from Robinson but it served its surpose. Once again it was Beckham not marking his man closely enough on the set piece. England very lucky not to be 2-1 down.
Posted Tuesday at 4:14 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Was that Beckham who was supposed to be marking Allback on that Swedish goal?
Posted Tuesday at 4:09 p.m.
Paul Attfield:There must be something in the water on Tyneside. When they're not sitting on the sidelines they're punching each other's lights out during a game. Such a friendly bunch . . .
Posted Tuesday at 4:08 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Cologne: Not surprising that Phillip sees this in black and white....
Posted Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
Paul Attfield: But Phillip, after your scathing remarks, who would actually be stupid enough to buy him? I don't think you could give him away right now ...
Posted Tuesday at 4:00 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Don't know about you lads but I'll be pinning Phillip's post to the side of my bed for the next time I'm feeling, you know, a little under the weather and thinking of phoning in sick.
On a more serious note, the club versus country thing is becoming a huge issue for FIFA. Liverpool was trying to sell Djibril Cisse but now that he's broken his leg Liverpool is stuck with his wages for six months.
Posted Tuesday at 3:59 p.m.
Phillip Crawley: Michael Owen is England's new sick note king.
Darren Anderton used to be famous for being injured more often than he was fit, both for Spurs and England. Owen is setting a new standard.
It is pretty rare for a player to injure himself by falling over with nobody else around, with the game only a minute old. What is wrong with the guy? He spends four months coddling himself on the sidelines while he nurses a broken foot. The same kind of injury which allowed Wayne Rooney to return to vigorous action inside two months Owen is paying the price for not keeping himself match fit during the Premiership season.
He has been so concerned about protecting himself from injury in club games ... remember that it is Newcastle United which pay his wages ... that he has come into the World Cup out of form and lacking preparation. He is paying the price of his own selfishness.
What chances of Owen being fit to play at the beginning of the next club season in the summer, when Newcastle have the chance of getting into European competition through the Intertoto Cup?
My advice to Newcastle's new manager Glen Roeder is to sell Owen and cut down on the medical bills. He could buy two players for the 100,000 sterling a week that Owen is getting paid. And the players might actually want to play every week!
Posted Tuesday at 3:55 p.m.
Simon Beck: I havent seen England look so classy for a long time … I keep thinking I'm about to wake up.
Joe Cole is having a brilliant game, and Owen's loss hasn't hurt the side's fluency one bit. Now they have to stay focused for 45 more minutes.
Posted Tuesday at 3:50 p.m.
Neil Campbell:This is a pro-England establishment. I'd say 90 per cent of the crowd got up and cheered. I was most definitely not one of them.
England deserve their lead, though. And Joe Cole deserved a goal.
Posted Tuesday at 3:39 p.m.
Paul Attfield:1-0 ENGLAND! King (Joe) Cole hits the back of the net with a simply outrageous shot. Neil, you might want to switch channels. I don't think you'll see that kind of strike in the Paraguay-T&T match!
Posted Tuesday at 3:38 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Ah, the dream strikeforce - Roonaldo and Crouchaldinho!
It's only a matter of time before one of them - Rooney - puts England in front. Who says England don't have flair!
Posted Tuesday at 3:26 p.m.
Neil Campbell: I have invaded the England fans' secret hiding place. No sign of our England supporters but plenty of others. I will try to convince the staff to switch to the Paraguay match.
Much better ball movement from England in this match.
Posted Tuesday at 3:18 p.m.
Paul Attfield: And Crouch enters the fray . . .
Posted Tuesday at 3:10 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Cologne: A real oh-my-god moment in the stadium when Owen went down. It was as though the 25,000 England supporters here were all doing the calculations together - three strikers left, one on a yelllow tonight, one just back from a long layoff, and one seventeen years old.
Posted Tuesday at 3:10 p.m.
Paul Attfield: The problem is England fans have very short memories. If they think Hargreaves is bad, I offer two words in response: Carlton Palmer.
Posted Tuesday at 2:57 p.m.
Paul Attfield: No, I think we're just going to stay here actually. The pressure's starting to get to Simon Beck and I don't think he should go out in public.
However, I hear he does a very good hooligan impression when cornered.
Besides, after his earlier flirtation with the Dark Side, he's still trying to make the shift from Beck-enbauer to Beck-ham.
Posted Tuesday at 2:52 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Cologne: A step forward for Owen Hargreaves. When they announced his name as part of the starting lineup, the England supporters didn't boo. Mind you, they didn't exactly leap for joy either...
Posted Tuesday at 2:48 p.m.
Paul Attfield: In response's to Scott's video-game simulation, I have this to say: You are clearly not Steven Gerrard on the small screen, and if you can't beat Sweden, I implore you never to play as England again!
Posted Tuesday at 2:46 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Are you lads decamping to your secret England location for this match? Or will I hear chants of Ingggger-lund Inggger-lund emanating from blog central upstairs?
I agree with readers that this blog is too England-centric. I think we should all just concentrate on Paraguay versus T&T.
Posted Tuesday at 2:43 p.m.
Paul Attfield: I doubt it, Simon. There's probably no room for them once you factor in the Spice Girls' back catalogue!
Posted Tuesday at 2:32 p.m.
Simon Beck: The last time England beat Sweden at soccer, on May 22, 1968, the UK top five singles charts looked like this:
1. Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong
2. Man Without Love - Englebert Humperdinck
3. Young Girl - Gary Puckett and the Union Gap
4. Lazy Sunday - The Small Faces
5. Honey - Booby Goldsboro
Hmmmm…and boomers still claim the Sixties was the golden era of pop music. Wonder if any of these classics figure in Becks and Posh's CD collection.
Posted Tuesday at 2:22 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Cologne: We have the lineups now. For England, Hargreaves in for Gerrard, Rooney starting, Carragher still taking Neville's spot. For Sweden, the banged up Slatan Ibrahimovic sits down, though it appears as though he's available as a sub. Mattias Jonson is in at forward, as are all four Swedish players carrying yellow cards. Too much on the line for them tonight, including the remote possibility of not moving on, so they have to take the risk.
Posted Tuesday at 2:18 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Lots to play for here. The winner gets Ecuador in the next round. The loser plays Germany in Munich (or, in the case of Sweden, might not qualify at all). A draw is as good as a win for England.
It's been well documented that England haven't beaten Sweden since 1968. The teams played to a 1-1 draw four years ago in the World Cup but Sweden had a magnificent second half and England was probably lucky to escape defeat.
I think England will win today for two reasons. One, they're wearing their lucky red shirts. Two, England's best player, Wayne Rooney, will be playing while Sweden's best player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, won't. Marcus Allback is to Ibrahimovic what Peter Crouch is to Rooney.
In the yellow card department, Lampard is the only England player likely to play who is carrying a yellow card. If he is booked today he missed the Round of 16 match. For Sweden, Allback, Henrik Larsson, Tobias Linderoth and Teddy Lucic are all on yellow cards.
I'll say 45 per cent England, 35 per cent draw and 20 per cent Sweden.
Trinidad and Tobago can still advance if they hammer Paraguay and England thrash Sweden. Won't happen. I give Trinidad and Tobago a 15 per cent chance of winning, 30 per cent a draw and 55 per cent Paraguay.
Posted Tuesday at 1:50 p.m.
Scott Colbourne: Hey, I clicked my name and there is a beaming Steven Gerrard -- high praise indeed, Mr. Attfield. I came out the winner in that little exercise.
Ecuador looked awful this morning -- they must have completed about a third of their passes and seemed content not to get in the way of the party in Berlin. But I have a question for the England backers: Easier second-round match, or the chance to put Germany out in front of its home fans? From a neutral point of view, that would be some match to watch.
I'm still stewing over Harry Kewell missing that sitter to tie Brazil, but I'm hoping Sweden and England will pull me back in. In my video-game simulation, just completed, it ended 1-1, with Larsson and Lampard the scorers. England equalized late when Crouch, who replaced Owen after 63 minutes, was tripped in the box. Lampard hit the post with his penalty but then headed in the rebound. Seems plausible.
Posted Tuesday at 1:46 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Cologne: And my dentist will be taking legal action....
Posted Tuesday at 12:59 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Speaking of coaches, what a good World Cup this has been for Dutch coaches. Guus Hiddink has made Australia a much better team than they were in the Confederations Cup last summer, Leo Beenhakker has improved Trinidad and Tobago beyond recognition, Dick Advocaat has done a splendid job with South Korea and Marco Van Basten has knitted together a unified Dutch team where before there was usually anarchy.
Posted Tuesday at 12:55 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Cologne: A big group of Swedish journalists sitting behind me in the press room here. They're getting all worked up in some kind of very passionate discussion. Figure they must be discussing tactics, or players, or whether Sven-Goran Eriksson is a credit to his people. Then I hear one of them say, "53rd and Third", and another one of them says something in Swedish, followed by "CBGB's". They're talking about The Ramones! Suddenly, I have a rooting interest in this match.
Posted Tuesday at 12:53 p.m.
Neil Campbell: It took me a minute to figure out what the heck you were on about but I get it now, you're associating the blog team with various prominent World Cup personalities.
Now that I have clicked the mask and see that I am being likened to Sven I am considering legal action.
Posted Tuesday at 12:42 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Simon's obviously getting a little bit excited ahead of the England game this afternoon, and now that the Three Lions will almost certainly have to win to avoid Germany in the second round, he's concocted a little project to amuse himself by associating the bloggers with various player masks.
Simon Beck: Apparently, he can bend it with the best of them, drives 10 luxury cars and is one of the richest sportsmen in the world, but somehow can't spot me $2 for coffee.
Paul Attfield : Towers over the rest of the team, and does a mean robot dance at Globe and Mail functions. Feels fortunate to be in this exalted company.
Scott Colbourne : It would be a disservice to associate this die-hard Red with any other player, and he's the only player in the GTA media league with both FA Cup and Champions League winners' medals.
Neil Campbell: The grand viseer, the wisest of the wise often feels like the outsider in a foreign land. I won't comment on his extracurricular activities, but I think he won something at some point in his career. I could be wrong however.
Stephen Brunt : The world's best, allegedly. Doesn't have to muck it out with the rest of us in the office, instead jetting off to far-flung exotic locations, like Barcelona, Paris, and, er, Leipzig.
Peter Mallett : Could have been a boxer, started life slumming it elsewhere before ending up in the bigs. Somewhat hot-headed, and has a tendency to run around like a headless chicken, but a natural talent nonetheless.
John Doyle : In the absence of the Irish, he'd agree that a Man U player is definitely a good second choice. Has often run afoul of authority, and is a born complainer. Can't verify a penchant for diving, but I'm sure a good Friday night can bring out the best in him. Has developed a solid friendship with former Arsenal defender Martin Keown, apparently.
Phillip Crawley : A world-class performer when he's on his game, but has often displayed a tendency to disappear at key times - ie, unless it suits him - but has the pace and vision to astound even the most hardened veteran. With a renewed contract in hand, his best years may yet be ahead of him.
Apologies to the England bias in the above - not my fault, blame the BBC.
Posted Tuesday at 12:31 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Cologne: Indeed it is Peter. Plenty of happy folks here in Cologne. Just managed to get to the stadium ahead of the mobs, where tonight England plays Sweden in a match that's a bit more intriguing after the way the Germans crushed Ecuador. As the ever astute Neil Campbell pointed out to me today when we spoke on the phone, you've got to beat the good teams eventually if you're going to win a World Cup - might as well be sooner rather than later. But for either of these sides, who both clearly have some bugs to work out, Ecuador looks like a much easier path in the round of sixteen than playing Germany in Munich.
We have the familiar, police state atmosphere in place for an England match. It wasn't anything like this the last time I was here. All kinds of barricades downtown, streets blocked off, soldiers all over the place. In fact, things could be a bit volatile, with the German fans out drinking all afternoon, and the Swedes and English piling out around 11 p.m.
No line ups yet, but expect Owen Hargreaves to start for England, in a holding midfield role, which many of the British press pundits feel is exactly what the team needs to open things up. It will be interesting to see Rooney in his second match back, and to see if Michael Owen gets started. If he doesn't, if they don't look any better than they did against T&T, full panic is going to set in, at least among the media mob.
And of course if it is Germany next, there will be all of that subtext. Don't mention the war and all. Having been in the stadium in Charleroi in 2000, and having heard the English fans sing, "There's only one Bomber Harrris....". Well, it all gets a bit uncomfortable.
Posted Tuesday at 12:16 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Just as Germany kicked off the first round against Costa Rica so too will they kick off the second round with a game against either Sweden, England or Trinidad and Tobago Saturday in Munich. The game will be played at 11 a.m. EDT.
Ecuador plays Sunday at 11 a.m. EDT in Stuttgart against either England or Sweden.
The knockout games this year revert to the format used before the 2002 World Cup. In other words, no golden goal. World Cup fans will remember Ahn Jung Hwan's dramatic golden goal in extra time that knocked Italy out of the last World Cup.
This year, if games are tied after 90 minutes, two 15-minute halves will be played whether anyone scores or not. If the game is still tied after the 30-minute extra time penalties will be used.
Posted Tuesday at 12:14 p.m.
Peter Mallett: I'm sure the party is now in full swing across Deutschland. Fulltime scores: Germany 3, Ecuador 0 and Poland 2, Costa Rica 1. If Sweden can go on to finish first in Group B with a win in this afternoon's game against England in Cologne, Sweden would go on to play Ecuador in Stuttgart on Sunday, while England would face a much tougher opponent Germany on Saturday in Munich.
Posted Tuesday at 11:55 a.m.
John Doyle in Berlin: Halftime in Berlin with Germany cruising after 2 goals from Klose. German TV and the big screen here keeps showing his acrobatics after the first one. Ecuador seem happy to hold back, happy to already be in the next round.
Posted Tuesday at 10:55 a.m.
Simon Beck: Germany 2-0 up and looking scarily dominant. Ecuador haven't had a sniff of a chance. This is a way better German team than 2002, when they scraped through to the final. Ballack and Klose are deadly up front and the defence is much tighter.
Posted Tuesday at 10:48 a.m.
Neil Campbell:The Other Game is now 1-1. Bartosz Bosacki scored in the 33rd minute for Poland.
Posted Tuesday at 10:41 a.m.
Neil Campbell: In The Other Game, Costa Rica has taken a 1-0 lead over poor Poland, Ronald Gomez in the 25th minute.
Posted Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
Paul Attfield: That's right, Neil. Typical lazy Scots - getting someone else to do their dirty work.
And just to show I'm open to all teams on the international scene, c'mon Germans.
Posted Tuesday at 10:20 a.m.
Neil Campbell: Sweden striker Henrik Larsson has vowed to the people of Scotland that he'll beat England today just for them.
Posted Tuesday at 10:15 a.m.
Peter Mallett: 4 min: Let the party begin in Germany. Miroslav Klose stuns Ecuador with a brilliant cutback finish just four minutes in.
Posted Tuesday at 10:07 a.m.
John Doyle in Berlin: It kicks off here in Berlin. The noise in the stadium is deafening and the heat is intense. Bravo to the Ecuador supporters for making themselves heard in the midst of it all.
Ballack starts for Germany though he has one yellow card.
Posted Tuesday at 10:03 a.m.
Simon Beck: Hey Doylester, speaking of that spanish journo's aftershave, any chance the German Polizei could do something about Attfield's Axe body spray? It's overpowering.
Germany-Ecuador … this should separate the "manner" from the "jungen" … should be fascinating.
Posted Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
Peter Mallett: By all indications, it looks like Germany is set to take the Group A title in today's final game against Ecuador and a massive party is set to unfold on the streets of Berlin.
But if an upset happens and Ecuador continues its surprising run, a popular Colombian fable about a poor farming family and their boney cow could actually have much to do with the result.
Posted Tuesday at 9:48 a.m.
John Doyle in Berlin: Good morning boys, from Berlin. I'm here at the stadium for Germany/Ecuador. Blessedly short train trip of just under two hours from Hamburg this morning. Hamburg is full of English supporters/tourists just there for a good time and the atmosphere. The result of this game drives the who-meets-who permuations for the next round. Berlin has gone more Cup crazy than before. About 700,00 people are expected to watch the game on the big screens here in the city. People are coming from other cities to join the party. There are more police on the streets, tighter security at the stadium (the angry Spanish journalist in front of me had his aftershave confiscated) and an air of manic glee is obvious in the crowds. Germany wants to win. There's an intense we-must-win every game mentality building here. I don't know if Ecuador will be that easy...
Posted Tuesday at 9:25 a.m.
Neil Campbell: Yellow cards become more interesting now that the tournament is moving to the knockout stages. You don't want to miss any games at a World Cup but you certainly don't want to miss a knockout game. Germany has three players on yellow cards coming into this game, Michael Ballack, Christophe Metzelder and David Odonkor. If they were to be yellow-carded in today's match they would miss the Round of 16 game.
Ecuador has five players in that category, including two of their stars in Edison Mendez and Ivan Hurtado. Others are Cristian Mora, Ulises de la Cruz and Segundo Castillo.
Ecuador have played very well at the World Cup, no doubt about that. But they are being feted right now as a better team than they probably are. I'd give them a 10 per cent chance to beat Germany today with a draw at 25 per cent and Germany at 65 per cent.
I won't go through the yellow cards for Poland-Costa Rica because it obviously doesn't matter. The past two World Cups have been remarkably similar for Poland: defeat in the first match against a team most figured they would beat (South Korea in 2002 and Ecuador this time); a loss in the second game to the top-ranked team in the group (Portugal in 2002 and Germany this time); and a third game against CONCACAF opposition.
Four years ago Poland trounced the United States 3-1 for a consolation victory. I see the same thing happening here. Let's assign 63 per cent as the likelihood of a Pland victory, 28 per cent to a draw and 9 per cent to a Costa Rican win.
Posted Tuesday at 8:55 a.m.
John Doyle in Hamburg: Now see here Simon, if my old dad, who is 82, takes a shine to Tunisia, he's enititled. You can like anybody you damn well want at that age. I'll be taking 36 hours off next week to go to Dublin and consult wth him on World Cup matters. In the matter of the popularity of the World Cup and those dreary people in the Globe newsroom watching Golf (Golf!), interesting evidence of the tournament's popularity in key quarters is found here
Posted Tuesday at 8:38 a.m.
Neil Campbell: We move to a different World Cup schedule today. No game at 9 a.m. EDT but two games at 10 and two games at 3 p.m. It'll be that way for the next four days and in each time slot TSN will carry one game live while Sportsnet does the other.
Sportsnet has the better game this morning, Germany-Ecuador, while TSN gets the glamour game at 3, Sweden-England.
Posted Tuesday at 8:13 a.m.
Paul Attfield: Is it just me, or does anyone else think it's weird that Germany would choose a lion to be their mascot? The lion has long been a British emblem. The soccer team has three lions on the shirt, as does the cricket team, and the British Lions are a rugby union squad.
However, it could be a lucky portent. Last time the World Cup had a lion mascot, World Cup Willie by the way, England beat West Germany 4-2 in the final. Nothing like seeing England roar. Again, sorry . . .
Posted Monday at 5:03 p.m.
Neil Campbell: I have a dilemma. Do I watch World Cup games on tape tonight or do I watch the hockey game. I am leaning to the latter, though I am falling behind in my World Cup viewing.
Incidentally, 58 per cent Carolina, 42 per cent Edmonton.
Posted Monday at 4:58 p.m.
Simon Beck: Tunisia tried to sit back and protect a 1-0 lead and paid the price. I'm not sure I agree with Peter's '1 on 1' comment. If all of Tunisia's players were equal in talent to Spain's individually, they wouldn't have lost 3-1. The fact is, they lack star players, but have managed to get this far through teamwork and hard work. I wonder if The Doylester's dad still think they're the bees knees. (Compared to the Rep. of Ireland, they probably are).
Posted Monday at 4:54 p.m.
Peter Mallett: 83 min - Spain 2, Tunisia 1 ... The technical gap is again evident. One-on-one, African footballers can compete with anyone on the planet. As an 11-member tactical unit, they often come up short. This is what separates Europe and South American powers, like Brazil and Argentina, from the rest of the world. Their ability to step back and read the game and move together as a unit. Spain looks to hold on and Tunisia prays for a miracle.
Posted Monday at 4:44 p.m.
Paul Attfield: But it's the Dutch who take any opportunity to 'get their kit off'.
Posted Monday at 4:43 p.m.
Paul Attfield: I saw that Neil, but the headline should have been: 'More sex please, we're German'.
Posted Monday at 4:41 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Who says the World Cup is bad for marital bliss?
Posted Monday at 4:39 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Actually, talking of Maradona, I had the unfortunate experience at the weekend of seeing someone in the Eaton Centre wearing an Argentina track jacket. Now, that's bad taste right there, obviously, but when the chap turned to run away from me like a little girl - or he may just have wanted to move in a different direction - he had 'Hand of God' written on the back!
Now, where's my Russian linesman top?
Posted Monday at 4:37 p.m.
Peter Mallett: 76 min- Fernando Torres beats the offside trap on a long run and slots home what seems to be the winning goal for Spain on another goal created by Spanish teen sensation Cesc Fabregas. Can Tunisia fight back? Spain 2, Tunisia 1.
Posted Monday at 4:37 p.m.
Peter Mallett: 71 min - Raul ties the score for Spain after a shot by Cesc Fabregas and save by Tunisia goalkeeper Boumnijel. UEFA's most lethal goal scorer today pounces on the rebound and ties the score. Spain 1, Tunisia 1
Posted Monday at 4:33 p.m.
Paul Attfield: That Maradona. Unbelievable. He just can't stay away from speed.
Posted Monday at 4:14 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Actually, I don't feel too bad for Casillas. He does make a few bob and is married to Miss Spain 2003.
Posted Monday at 4:07 p.m.
Peter Mallett: At halftime: Tunisia 1, Spain 0....some food for thought about Spain's possible collapse at World Cup 2006. It was Nigeria - another African nation which also proved to be an overconfident Spanish side's undoing at France 98 when they lost 3-2 to the Super Eagles and eventually crashed out of the first round. Curiously, the first round also included a 6-1 thrashing of Bulgaria that year. This year, Spain were gloating after their 4-0 drubbing of Ukraine just last week.
Posted Monday at 4:07 p.m.
Simon Beck: I predicted a draw in this game before the tournament started, so it's not a surprise to see Spain stuttering. You never know which Spain is going to turn up -- the unbeatables or the unfathomables. Meanwhile, Tunisia is a very accomplished team with good counter-attacking speed, as they showed in the goal.
Posted Monday at 3:57 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Yes, you're right Neil. I'll leave Simon to get drunk while I watch the game.
It was a slightly fortuitous goal for Tunisia. Jawhar Mnari seized on a rebound and somehow contrived to hit his shot into the ground, only to see it bounce up and over Iker Casillas in the Spanish net.
You have to feel sorry for the poor chap. Not only does he have to play with the flattering-to-deceive galacticos at Real Madrid, he has to turn out for habitual underachievers Spain on the international stage.
At least the three R's (Ronaldo, Robinho and Roberto Carlos) from Madrid get to play for a team that actually delivers on its star power.
Posted Monday at 3:56 p.m.
John Doyle in Hamburg: A brief interjection from a fading Doyler (the correct term) here in Hamburg. Typical anorak behaviour to warble on about England/Germany maybes, like pub bores, when this Spain/Tunisia game is fine, pulsating football. By the way, my dad in Dublin has been going on to me about Tunisia for ages. Says they're the bees-knees. I'm starting to think he's dead-on. Often happens.
Posted Monday at 3:52 p.m.
Neil Campbell: While you England supporters are bantering away, Tunisia is 1-0 up on Spain.
Posted Monday at 3:39 p.m.
Simon Beck: Indeed, Paul, but I will also be enjoying a nice Lowenbrau and bratwurst mit sauerkraut. Better than the Globe caff.
Deutschland Deutschland!
Posted Monday at 2:53 p.m.
Paul Attfield: Hmm, Simon Beck in lederhosen. Now that's really creepy.
Posted Monday at 2:38 p.m.
Simon Beck: I'm already beginning to obsess about how England and Germany can avoid each other in the second round. It's interesting stuff. Germany have to beat Ecuador tomorrow (because of goal difference) or they will ened up second in the group. So if Germany lose or (quite likely) draw, then you'd have England and Sweden falling over themselves trying to not to finish first in group B. (Imagaine that scenario: England play David James in goal in the hope he'll commit some of his famous blunders).
What this all comes down to is: I fervently hope Germany top their group, leaving England simply to draw to also finish first. This makes it the first occasion in living history I will be cheering for Germany. It's almost creepy.
Posted Monday at 2:30 p.m.
Neil Campbell: Spain beats Ukraine 4-0. Saudi Arabia and Tunisia draw 2-2. Ukraine beats Saudi Arabia 4-0. So Spain 8-0 over Tunisia, right?
Well it doesn't quite work that way but you get the point. It would be a mammoth upset if Tunisia beat Spain so we'll put that at 5 per cent. Spain can be bit unpredictable so we'll put 20 per cent on a draw and that leaves 75 per cent to Spain.
By the way, today was our last 9 a.m. EDT game of the tournament and I'm feeling all nostalgic about that.
Posted Monday at 2:08 p.m.
John Doyle in Hamburg: Halftime here and Ukraine on a roll, 2-0 up. Saudis coming back into it slightly at end of half. Shevchenko and coach Blokhin had a major tiff at one point, much gesturing and head-shaking. Ukraine should have had 4 or 5 goals. That could be the reason.
Posted Monday at 1:01 p.m.
Simon Beck: Half time. Much livelier performance by Ukraine. Can't see Saudi Arabia coming back in this one. Ukraine must now be favourites to join Spain going through. (I'm assuming that there's no upset when Spain play Tunisia later today, but that is probably a highly dangerous one).
Posted Monday at 12:51 p.m.
Neil Campbell: A blog reader asks how ties are broken if teams have the same number of points after three matches. The blog is here to serve, so here is the scoop directly from the official FIFA guide to the tournament.
The ranking of each team in each group will be determined as follows:
a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;
b) goal difference in all group matches;
c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.
If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings will be determined as follows:
d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
e) goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
f) greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned;
g) drawing of lots by the Organising Committee for the FIFA World Cup.
Posted Monday at 12:13 p.m.
John Doyle in Hamburg: Goal in first few minutes. To Ukraine. Saudis making all sorts of silly errors. Saudi keeper looks like he has lost it.
Posted Monday at 12:09 p.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt:Don't forget, Neil, that chirping frogs outside the Ukraine team's hotel were blamed for keeping them awake before the Spain match, and spoiling their performance. (German television just ran an extensive feature on the subject). Hard to account for the presence of noisy amphibians in your handicapping system. In addition to Sepp, the fighting Klitschko brothers are in attendance this afternoon in Hamburg.
Posted Monday at 12:00 p.m.
John Doyle in Hamburg: Security seemed really, really tight coming in here. Loads of Polezei and mysterious, muscled dudes in black t-shirts. I thought it was because the Saudis are playing and maybe a Saudi Prince was here. But, no. Sepp Blatter, the President of FIFA is here, for some reason. I saw Sepp manage to drag himself out of his limo and, before he could waddle two steps, a gaggle of pretty young women in tight dresses rushed toward him with umbrellas to shield him from the rain. He waved them off. Prince of a man is Sepp.
Posted Monday at 11:44 a.m.
Neil Campbell: There's a big philosophical question here. Should one game change your opinion of a team? Ukraine was very solid coming into the World Cup and was thrashed by Spain. Saudi Arabia wasn't so strong yet played well to get a point from Tunisia. I will pretend those games didn't happen. I'm going to assign a 75 per cent probability of Ukraine winning this match, put 20 per cent on a draw and 5 per cent on a Saudi win.
Posted Monday at 11:31 a.m.
John Doyle in Hamburg: Hello from Hamburg now. Awful weather here for the Saudi/Ukraine game - really hot, hazy, humid, walking-through-warm-soup conditions. I'm looking for Ukraine to stir it up here and come out blazing. If Ukraine lose or draw, this will be one of the most disappointing World Cup debuts in decades. Mind you, I could be the only one expecting a roaring Ukraine - the Ukraine media here seem especially doleful.
On the Togo/Switzerland game, yes Togo had a lot of followers, mainly becase it's a little country wth a cute name that appeals to North Americans. The Swiss, though, are dead-cool achievers here. They have an excellent set-up in Switzerland, with a keen eye for youth development. There is an excellent spirit in the team too, and a rare sort of rapport between the team and those wacky, bell-wielding fans. A future European power in the game. Mark my words. I spoke too soon - it just started pouring rain here after a brief thunderstorm.
Posted Monday at 11:11 a.m.
Peter Mallett: 87 min - Swiss midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta collects a searching cross and buries a right-footed blast off the post and past the outstretched hands of Kossi Agassi , putting the match out of reach for the Sparrow Hawks. Two beautiful goals for the Swiss who along with South Korea find themselves in the drivers seat of Group G.
Posted Monday at 10:50 a.m.
Peter Mallett: 82 min - Good point Stephen about the disappointment of African nations at this summer's tournament. Aside from Ghana's impressive form in Saturday's win over Czech Republic, there have been no surprises. The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Indomitable Lions of Cameroon at past tournaments may have provided the best we have seen yet. One-on-one African players are the best in the world and skill wise and conditioning can match up against any player on the planet, but as far as technical ability as an 11-player unit, there is much work to be done. Maybe the Mighty Sparrow Hawks can make us think twice with some late game heroics here but it appears unlikely.
Posted Monday at 10:46 a.m.
Peter Mallett: 78 min - I'm counting all 11 Swiss players inside their own half and Togo is choosing the direct approach instead of trying to lure them out of their layer. The game has ground to a halt as far as flow goes and Togo will need to switch the ball around the back with long searching passes from their defenders if they are to break the deadlock.
Posted Monday at 10:36 a.m.
Stephen Brunt in Frankfurt: Hello from Frankfurt. Have to weigh in with a few words in support of my favourite underdogs here, the Sparrow Hawks of Togo. No, it doesn't appear they're going to get a result today, and they'll have their hands full with a desperate French team in their final game at their first World Cup. But think that, considering the circumstances, they can hold their heads high. Imagine how it might have been without the distraction of having the Nigerian coach who got them to the World Cup fired and replaced by a European mercenary, without the pay dispute with their own federation (forget labelling them greedy and unpatriotic - everybody gest paid here), without the new coach quitting on them and then coming back just before their first match, without the head of their federation labelling that coach, among other things, a drunk, without having to be persuaded by FIFA to even show up for today's' match. To get from there to here (I know some of the players are European-based pros) is an enormous challange, including surivivng the African qualifying tournament against powerful opposition. Whenever anyone talks about the failing of African soccer, the disappointment that big breakthrough everyone has long expected doesn't appear to be at hand, consider all of the other factors in play that have nothing to do with talent or commitment.
Posted Monday at 10:35 a.m.
Peter Mallett: 50 min - Switzerland threatens to break the match open. A thunderous volley by Tranquillo Barnetta is thwarted by the steady hands of Togo keeper Kossi Agassi. Moments later veteran Hakan Yakin unloads a 20 yard blast which curls to the right of the togo goal.
Posted Monday at 10:13 a.m.
Peter Mallett: 35 min - Swiss defender Patrick Mueller appears to deliver a back-heel trip to Togo's Emmanuel Adebayor in the Swiss penalty area but appeals for a spot kick are denied. There appear to be a few holes in the turtle shell defence of the Swiss defence as Togo has had a few good looks at goal as we approach halftime.
Posted Monday at 9:39 a.m.
Peter Mallett: 33 min - Switzerland continues to dominate and do their best impression of their cross-border neighbours Italy and how to sit on a 1-0 lead via Turtle shell defence. Interesting point about the goal scorer Frei: despite leading the Swiss with seven goals in qualifying and proving once more today that he is a clinical finisher, he is just recovering from a serious groin injury and surgery in February.
Posted Monday at 9:32 a.m.
Peter Mallett: 16 min - A brilliant finish by Alexander Frei from a cross gives Switzerland an early 1-0 lead. Is there any way back for the embattled Togolese?
Posted Monday at 9:20 a.m.
Neil Campbell:Welcome to Morose Monday at the World Cup. Togo v. Switzerland; Ukraine v. Saudi Arabia; Spain v. Tunisia. Hardly the best day of the tournament. Not that I don't wish I were home watching or not that I'm not taping all the games.
Swizerland has now gone eight games in major tournament without a win, eight games since they spanked Romania 4-1 in the 1994 World Cup. The Swiss played fairly well against France and should beat Togo to set up an interesting showdown with South Korea in the final group match. Let's assign 7 per cent to a Togo victory, 23 per cent to a draw and 70 per cent to a Swiss win.
Posted Monday at 8:30 a.m.
Neil Campbell: Headline on the Brazil-Australia game story this morning from the Daily Record in Glasgow — It's not over till the fat striker's dropped.
Posted Monday at 8:11 a.m.
John Doyle in Munich: Good morning from Munich, lads. Stayed here at one those anonymous airport hotels, part of the NH chain. The place had a few arrogant Brazilian fans staying, plus some very subdued Australians (they really expected a point from the Brazil gane and "fair dinkum" is, I think, the right phrase) and a gang of bewildered passengers from some cancelled Lufthnsa flight.
I'm still puzzling over the Brazil perfornance. It is always a true pleasure to be at a Brazil game, to wach the speed and flair ignite and see those movements off the ball that you don't see on TV. There were breathtaking moments last nigfht, But there's something peculiar about the formation. Ronaldinho is nothng like as creative as he can be. He was more alert and dangerous in the second half but still seemed constrained. I'm thinking that if Australia had Harry Kewell on earlier, they'd have truly rattled Brazil. The France/S. Korea result didn''t surprise me at all. France has been unconvincing for years now. Henry only bothers to do his thing for a few minutes and fades.Zidane is there out of some personal sense of duty, to Frace and the team, not Domenech. I saw several of France's qualifying games, a series of tedious draws, mostly, and I fail to see why Domenech is still in that job. The body language of the players is fascinating. They seem to avoid any contact wth Domenech and, if looks coud kill...
I'm very disappointed to read from Neil that the Globe newsroom is devoted to golf while the World Cup is on. From what I'm hearing from readers, their kids and teenagers are gripped by this tournament. Anecdotes abound about kids racing home from school to watch afternoon games becase it's what everybody is talking about at school. May I suggest that as an adjunct to the FAC, we have a youthful voice or two reported here.
Must dash to the airport now for a flight to Hamburg, for Saudi/Ukraine.
Posted Monday at 7:40 a.m.
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