SPAIN THE WORLD CUP CHAMPION !

It's FINAL. SPAIN is the WORLD CUP CHAMPION

The match was decided by Andres Iniesta's extra time goal on 116th minutes.

Congrats to Spain. This is their first world cup final and they had won it. Deservedly.

As I had tip in my previous entry, the man to watch for Spain is Andres Iniesta and my prediction was proven right as his goal decided the match.

Robben also has superb opportunity to score but the outstanding Iker Casillas has denied the Dutch the goal they are looking for.

With a plate of drummet, 2 cups with big chunk of ice cream and a big mug of black Hang Tuah coffee I was able to witness this historic achievement by the Spaniard from some 8533km from the actual venue.

Amazingly, Paul the Octopus got it right, yet again. What an achievement!

Today, the actual winner is the Football itself.

THIS IS IT - WORLD CUP FINAL

It's World Cup Final tonight (2:30am Malaysia time). After 63 matches being played for the last 29 days, we are finally into the most important day of the tournament - THE FINAL.

The final two are HOLLAND vs SPAIN.Both countries are yet to won any world cup title before this and been regarded as the two most popular footballing nation that never had won the world cup. The closest was Holland in the 70's. Tonight is the night to make history. One set of the players will be making history and forever become the 'footballing immortal' while the other set will be left to rue on their miss chances.

Paul the Octopus, the best predictor of the world cup results with 6/6 (that is 100%) now, had 'hand' pick the Spaniard to win the world cup. click here. Paul the Octopus is actually a 'German' and all predictions involving Germany so far were amazingly correct. Including the semi final game that Germany lost to Spain in which Paul the Octopus was actually choose Spain!

(Paul the Octopus prediction, Wikipedia)

And, for football fan like me, tonight will end our long and hard night throughout the last 29 days juggling between live football telecast and a punch clock at work. I won't be supporting any team tonight but I am looking forward for a very good game indeed (I support Brasil, remember ? huhuhu).

My prediction - the game will be controlled by Spain by passing around the ball in midfield while the Dutch will be compact at the back and trying to hit the Spaniard on counter attack.

Man to watch for Spain would be Andres Iniesta who love to make the penetrating run with the ball from midfield and David Villa for his predatory instinct in front of goal.

Man to watch for Holland would be Arjen Robben who plays on the right of the midfield. A battle with Capdevila (Spain's left back) would determine the outcome of the game. Should the Spaniard able to contain Robben, they will be able to keep the Dutch quiet throughout the match. This is important for Spain. The other one would be Wesley Sneijder, join tournament top scorer along side David Villa. He will orchestrate the Dutch attacking play from the middle.

***

I had given a thought of joining the world cup party at Dataran Merdeka tonight and watch from the big screen there while eating out the durian fest being set up by the Ministry of Agriculture. It is All-you-can-eat-for-RM15 only. There will be other fruit as well like the rambutan, langsat and few others on offering. Unfortunately, tomorrow will be a working day and it just not right for me to be at Dataran tonight.

Instead I choose the comfort of my living room and enjoy it alone, pretending that I am at the Johanesburg with millions of football fan focusing only on the game. I had made my preparation by taking my long 'nap' almost the whole of today's afternoon. Also, with Ayamas Drummet (extra hot) & Wall's Ice Cream (vanilla with chocolate sauce). Definitely, there will also be a big mug of hot black Hang Tuah coffee to keep me awake.

Fingers cross. May the better team win!

HOLLAND INTO WORLD CUP FINAL

Kawan-kawan mula kutuk-kutuk aku sebab Holland akhirnya secara rasmi layak ke Final, World Cup 2010. Mentang-mentang la Holland kalahkan Brasil hari tu.

Bengang je. Tapi, aku redho..

Cerita lanjut

BERKABUNG

saya masih 'berkabung' huhuhu.. click here

BRASIL OUT OF THE WORLD CUP

(Soccernet.com)

It's really a time to 'berkabung' as Brasil were beaten 1 - 2 by Holland last night (huhuhu..). As I expected in my previous entry (click here), it is Robben who became the Brasil's tormentor. Michel Bastos was unable to contain Robben and almost being shown the 2nd yellow card before, the coach Dunga substituted him mid way through the 2nd half. Not long after that, Felipe Melo's aggression on Robben had left the referee with no other option other than giving him straight red and the marching order. It's a very disappointing night for him after also scored an own goal.

Related news here

Hats off to Holland and good luck in the semifinal (against Uruguay).

Note : By the look of things, Holland had a very good chance to go to the final.. and possibly win the World Cup for the first time..

BRASIL

(Google)

During my schooling days, all I know about Brasil is that they had the best football team in the world and won the World Cup the most number of time. And, one of the city is Rio De Janeiro. That's it. Although I had been supporting Brasil football team since whenever it is (I can't really recalled), I don't even bother to know anything about the country itself except for those footballers coming from there. Pele, Zico, Socrates, Rai, Dunga, Romario, Bebeto, Rivaldo, Ronaldo bla.. bla.. bla.. up until the latest crops of young generation of Brasilian in the shape of Kaka, Robinho and co.

I'd been doing some google on Brasil and here are something, at a glance, about BRASIL (pronounce Bra'zil) :

Capital City : Brasília
Largest city : São PauloOfficial language(s) : Portuguese
Demonym : Brazilian
Independence from Portugal Declared : 7 September 1822
Area : 8,514,877 km2 (5th largest in the world after Russia, Canada, China & USA)
Population (2009 estimate) : 192,272,890[1] (5th largest after China, India, USA, Indonesia)
Currency : Real (R$) (BRL)
Drives : on the right
Internet TLD : .br
Calling code : +55

For more details on Independence, Politics, Geographic, Economy etc click here

Enough about the country.

(Google)

Brasil vs Holland - My preview

Tonight, Brasil will go against Holland for a place in this year World Cup semi final. The Dutch had a good tournament so far where they had won all their games. Personally, I don't find their wins been a convincing one so far. They rely too much on Robben to produce the kind of magic as the one he showed against the Slovakia in the quarterfinal match. Therefore, the Brasillian need to tie Robben movement and ensure that he will had a quiet game the whole of 90 minutes. That would be the job of the fullback, Maicon and Michel Bastos, as Robben normally operated from the flank - most of the time from the left side of the opposition. In this case, the job will be for Michel Bastos - although sometimes during the game Robben might switched side to the right (in this case it's Maicon's job).

Other threat to Brasil will be RVP (Robin Van Persie) who sometime could provide the magic that Robben does. He will be playing as a lone striker upfront. I believed, Lucio & Juan will be able to contain RVP throughout the match.

As for Brasil, I am hoping that Kaka, Robinho and Luis Fabiano could link up together and show the world their super-talented-skill to cut open the Dutch defence. It is a bit unfortunate to see Ramires suspended for accumulating 2 yellow cards. He would provide the lung-bursting-energy from the centre of the field to help the front 3 to cut open opposition defence. His energy will be missed.

Brasil always heavily dependent on their full back, Maicon & Michel Bastos, to push forward. However, in this game I believed the fullbacks need to be careful to not leaving to much gap at the back for the Dutch to exploit especially with the present of Robben. That would be devastating.

With the credential of both team and the superstars across their squad, I am fully expect a very good, fluent and competitive game to be on show tonight. May the better team win and hopefully it would be BRASIL.

V.I.V.A B.R.A.S.I.L


Note : I would love to see Robben in the Liverpool FC rank..

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME - SUPER SLICK ARGENTINE

The Argentinian had quickly established themselves as favourite in this year tournament. Their form were superb in which they had won all their matches so far, convincingly. This scenario is in contrast to their qualifying campaign form where they had struggled to qualify, only doing so on the last game of the South American qualifying group.

Coach by the Great Maradona, they really show their talent and peak at the right time in this year tournament. Argentina scored the most number of goals so far and their striker, Higuain, top of the Golden Boot chart with 4 goals. Their team possesses arguably the most feared attacking play lead by the Football of The Year, 5ft 6in, Lionel Messi. Others on the attacking line up are Higuain, Tevez, Aguero, Millito and Angel Di Maria.

(Soccernet)

En route to the quarterfinal, they had defeated Nigeria (ranked : 21), South Korea (ranked : 47), Greece (ranked : 13) & Mexico (ranked : 17). Fifa ranking. Their quarterfinal opponent is Germany, who thrashed hopeless England in their respective 2nd round match. The fixture sure will provide fireworks as both teams had scored the most in this year competition with Argentina scored 10, Germany scored 9. A Slick Argentine vs the Discipline Troops of the German.

Should they get past the Germany, barring of any upset in other matches, the Spaniard will be awaiting them in the semifinal. WOW! What a match..

V.I.V.A B.R.A.S.I.L

Note : I think I should start an entry on Brasil soon emm..

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME - THE LAST 16

(Wikipedia)

THE LAST 16

The World Cup 2010 had move to the last 16 round where the game is a 'kalah mati'. Some tournament big names had already when back home while some surprise team still carrying their flag in the last 16.

As I am typing this entry, the first 2 games had already being played :

Uruguay vs South Korea (full time result : 2-1 in favour of Uruguay)

USA vs Ghana (full time result : 1-2 in favour of Ghana after extra time)

Uruguay will meet Ghana, the sole survivor of the African team, in the quarterfinal.

Tonight, the giants on the European will clashed at Bloemfontein Stadium between Germany & England. May the best team win!

The other fixture that turn out to be mouth watering is the Spain vs Portugal. CR7 (Cristiano Ronaldo) is yet to shine and this games would be perfect for him. In the Spaniard camp, Torres is yet to show his best and struggled to shine as well. He's been overshadowed by the prolific David Villa who scored 3 goals so far.

Personally, I would expect Brasil to progress well to the final in which the only real obstacle is Holland awaiting in the quarterfinal should both team progress after the round of 16. Brasil had been drawn in the supposedly 'easier' half of the competition. The other half consists of Argentina, Germany, England, Spain, Portugal.. to name a few. Tough one!

The only real threat to Brasil in road to the final would be Holland, as mention above. Should Brasil get pass the Dutch, it would be Brasil's too lose on road to the final.

V.I.V.A B.R.A.S.I.L

Note : I think of another entry of the Vuvuzela..

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME - WORLD CHAMP IS OUT!

ITALY OFFICIALLY OUT OF THE WORLD CUP 2010 !!

THEY FINISHED BOTTOM OF THEIR GROUP !!

Note : Italy is my favourite after Brasil.. what a waste!

THE BEUATIFUL GAME - AU REVOIR FRANCE

(Fifa.com)

Thierry Henry, Franck Ribery, William Gallas, Nicolas Anelka, Patrice Evra, Florant Malouda, Hugo Lloris, Eric Abidal.. just to mention some of the lots of household talented players in France's World Cup squad. Their problem is = Raymond Domenech.. The Coach and The Ego.. Players' Ego. The French were unable to play as a unit, to perform and bring out the best of each player. The consequences was well documented. They were out of the World Cup 2010 at group stage!

The French come to South Africa with high hope to go all the way with the impressive list of talents they got at their disposal. The result are very much disappointing, considering their group consists of South Africa (rank : 83), Uruguay (rank : 16) & Mexico (rank : 17). For record, France are ranked at 9. FIFA full ranking click here

(ESPNSoccernet.com)

To make things worst, the players had refused to train 48 hours before the final match against South Africa in protest to the decision to send Nicolas Anelka home after burst up with the Coach, Raymond Domenech. The revolt was lead by the senior player in the shape of Patrice Evra, who is the France Captain. Evra also had a heated verbal exchanged with the fitness coach. The team director had also resigned.

The France misery were deepened when they were defeated (also click here) in the final game against the South African, who ranked 74 places below them! To make matter worst, the Coach - Raymond Domenech had refused to handshake with Carlos Alberto Parreira (South Africa Coach). The reason behind it was Carlos Alberto's earlier comment on the nature of France qualification for the tournament by the virtue of Thierry Henry's handball that leading to the winning goal scored by William Gallas against the Republic of Ireland (during qualifying play-off match).

(Google)

The Raymond Domenech era had marked a turbulent time in France Football history. With all the talents he got at his disposal, he miserably failed to deliver (although, they actually when to the World Cup final 2006 where they lost to the Italian on penalty).

The burden to turn around the France's fortune will next be in the hand of Messrs Laurent Blanc, who will take over the team and the messed left behind to be cleaned. Fingers cross.

V.I.V.A B.R.A.S.I.L


Note : French toast anyone ?

JABULANI AT WORLD CUP 2010

(Google)

'JABULANI' means 'TO CELEBRATE'

1) The word originated from IsiZulu language, one of the 11 official languages of the Republic of South Africa.

2) It's actually a ball used for FIFA World Cup 2010 tournament in South Africa

3) Brand Adidas

4) Jabulani design is influenced by the diversity of South Africa.

• 11 distinct tribes in South Africa (Shangaan, Zulu, Xhosa, Venda, Tswana, Tsonga, Swazi, Sotho, Ndebele, Khoisan, Afrikaner)
  
• 11 official languages (Afrikaans, English, IsiNdebele, IsiXhosa, IsiZulu, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, SiSwati, Tshivenda, Xitsonga)
• 11 players in a football team

Therefore, to honour all that, Adidas used 11 colours on the ball and a graphic image that represents the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg

• This is the 11th time Adidas became the official World Cup ball
• World Cup 2010 kicked-off on 11th of June 2010
• And the final will be on 11th of July 2010

(Wikipedia)

5) Made in China

• Thermoplastic polyurethane-elastomer (TPU) TPU 0.3 mm - Manufactured in Taiwan
• Latex bladder - Manufactured in India
• Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) EVA 3.5 mm - Manufactured in China
• Isotropic polyester/cotton fabric - Manufactured in China
• Glue - Manufactured in China
• Ink (11 colours) - Manufactured in China

Well, that's sure is Truly Asia.

To date, the Jabulani had attracted a mixed review from the players, notably goalkeepers and strikers. Some unfortunate goalkeepers had been on the bad receiving end of the Jabulani.

Goalkeeper nightmare :

Based on my observation, the ball have the tendency to curve upwards when kicked with high force. If the shot bounced on the ground one or two feet in front of the keeper, it tends to move or swerved a little bit which make keeper's judgment inaccurate and difficult to handle. Many experienced, top class, keeper would palm away the ball or at least they would make sure that their body is on the way to block the ball should it skidded passed their palm.

Jabulani victim :

Robert Green, England (vs USA). click here - The goalkeeper had a nightmare on his World Cup debut when a shot on goal that is seem save-able, skidded his palm and the Jabulani rolled agonisingly into an empty net.



Faouzi Chaouchi, Algeria (vs Slovenia) - The goalkeeper thought he had it covered when a speculative shot by Robert Koren from outside of the box towards goal. Instead, the Jabulani swerved away from his hand into the goal.

Richard Kingson, Ghana (vs Australia) - A free-kick shot from outside of the box bounced a couple of feet in front of the goalkeeper who think he had it covered, but the ball bounced awkwardly off the goalkeeper body into the path of opposition player, who then scored.

Free-kick takers nightmare :

World Cup always produced a wonder goal from a free-kick takers. But, not with Jabulani.. the proper word is.. not yet. The free kick up until now always going wide or ballooning pass the goal post without the goalkeeper even try to reach or dive for it. Out of 57 goals so far.. non are, to the best of my knowledge, scored from a free kick. That is unusual at the World Cup. It is a shame that David Beckham unable to pit his free kick skills against the Jabulani.

Having said that, some players had enjoyed a good return and scored some superb goal which mostly come from open play.

Super shot :

Riccardo Montolivo, Italy (vs New Zealand) - A low drive from outside of the box cannoned off the New Zealand left upright with goalkeeper already beaten and the defender hacked it into safety. A superb camera angle revealed that, the Jabulani is actually curve inside towards goal and almost produced a very good goal.

Valter Birsa, Slovenia (vs USA) - he was allowed to turn and curling a superb shot past the helpless Tim Howard. The goalkeeper don't even bother to move. The Jabulani fly past the goalkeeper in a flash.

However, the number of goals for the 2nd round group match were kept increasing now as team started to take some risk. Surely, when players get their gripped with the Jabulani, there will be spectacular goal in store.

That would be excellent for a late night stay up spectator like me. VIVA!


Picture source : Wikipedia , ESPNSoccernet & Google

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME - SERIES OF UPSET

U.P.S.E.T

First week of the World Cup 2010 seen no upset until the last game of the first round where Spain were beaten by Switzerland. click here. Since then, there are series of upset on the 'traditional' football power house especially the European team.

Upset #1 : France (vs Mexico) - Group A, 17th June 2010

The WC2006 finalist is in danger of leaving the tournament at group stage after this defeat which leave them on 1 point from 2 games. A squad full of talented player but lacked of coordination and rarely played like a unit under their controversial coach Raymond Domenech. The coach was heavily criticised by their former legend Zidane for the way he conducted the team selection and tactical. Again, Thiery Henry was left on the bench and Anelka was deployed as a lone striker upfront. Ribery playing in the hole and rarely show the talent that he possess. He is supposed to be the linchpin of the team but again failed to delivered. Mexico looked comfortable enough as the scoreline suggested. The blame should be solely on Raymond Domenech !

Upset # 2 : Germany (vs Serbia) - Group D, 18th June 2010

Germany was so impressive in the first game against Australia (they won by 4 - 0). Many people starts to rave about their efficient yet clinical performance against the Aussies. But, Serbia is a different category. Their defends is so impressive during the qualifying marshaled by Nemanja Vidic. The downfall of Germany begun when Miroslave Klose, last tournament golden boot winner, was sent off for 2 bookable offenses. The second yellow card came on the 36th minutes. Germany was forced to play with 10 man for the rest of the game.

Soon after the Klose sending off, Serbia scores on the 37 minutes. A cross from the right by the impressive Krasic, headed by the tall figure of Zigic to the path of Jovanovic who had all the time to controlled the ball and poke it passed the goalkeeper Neuer into the net. 1 - 0 to Serbia. Although Serbia took a lead and had a one man advantage, the Germany still came forward with purposed in search for the equaliser.

Germany got a break in the 60th minutes when a moment of madness from Nemanja Vidic who intentionally handle the ball in the Serbian penalty box. Penalty. Lukas Podolski step up to take the penalty. Unfortunately, his effort was superbly saved by the Serbian goalkeeper. Podolski had a forgettable night where he also misses a handful of chances in front of goal. In the end, Germany had run out of ideas and tiredness starts to took the effect on their players. The games finished 1 - 0 in favour to the Serbian. Although Germany lost this game but they should be able to pull it thru to the next round. Their next game is against the Ghanaian. The coach, Joachim Loew, had a frustrating time both on the missed chances and the referee decision.

Upset #3 : England (vs Algeria) - Group C, 18th June 2010

A draw shouldn't be categorised as an upset. However, I picked this result as an upset due to the 'supposedly superior' England lacked of composure and invention to overcome the Algerian. On paper, this game should be the easiest in this group. But, the Algerian had other idea. They played with the 5-4-1 formation with the full utilisation of the wing-back position and the wide player. Due to the system employed, the Algerian manage to swamped the midfield and made it hard for Gerrard-Lampard-Barry to took controlled. The Algerian also a pace more quicker than the English.

England managed to create some good chances but the Algerian keeper & defenders were equal to it. Rooney had, again, a poor game and rarely got the chance to threaten the Algerian goal. 'Captain Courageous' Steven Gerrard again left frustrated with the result. He seems trying to hard himself. Carragher picked up a yellow card, his 2nd for the tournament, and will miss the next deciding game against the impressive Slovenia. Capello was obviously frustrated with the result; given that England qualifying campaign was very good and decisive. The form was not on show in the proper tournament. Overall, England game was poor and it surely frustrated for England faithful. They must step up and beat the Slovenian to avoid the embarrassment of going home early.

V.I.V.A B.R.A.S.I.L

Note : So far, the Argentine looks impressive and clinical in their group stage..

Picture source : ESPNSoccernet & ESPNStar

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME - SPAIN SHOCKER

Spain tagged as favourite in this year World Cup was STUNNED by the Swiss in a group H match last night. I would like to add some comment on the team performance. Previous comment click here.

Team : Spain
Group : H
Played against : Switzerland (16th June 2010)

The Spaniard conquered the game and put together a great passing game earlier on. The Swiss had hardly kick a ball for the first 15 minutes! At some point, Spain possession of the ball is calculated at more than 70%. However, they failed to convert the possession into total domination where there was lacked of goal mouth action. The first half action continued in similar fashion and the score stayed at 0 - 0.

Spain came out for the 2nd half full of determination and with purpose. More and more pressing to the Swiss goal but to the Swiss credit, they held their nerved and defends in number. The moment of the goal is a 'route one tactic'. The excellent goalkeeper, Diego Benaglio, kicked the ball high up field and met by Eren Derdiyok, who, with a slice of luck, took the ball pass Puyol and towards Spain goal. Iker Casillas got on the way of Derdiyok's attempt on goal, but the ball fell into Gelson Fernandes path. His shot was brilliantly blocked by Pique but bounced of the defender awkwardly in the penalty box. Gelson Fernandes took a gamble and reacted the fastest to poke the ball into the empty net. GOAL !

Spain 0 - 1 Switzerland, although the scoreline is hard to believe.. the match ended with the Spaniard ponder how on earth did they'd lost that match!

In my opinion, the problem with Spain is too much passing outside the penalty box, and lacked of goalmouth action. The choice of using David Villa as a lone striker had not worked out the way Del Bosque intended it to be. I believed, they should have Llorente (because Torres was not 100%) partnered with David Villa. Llorente would cause the Swiss defender problem in the air and allow Villa some space to be exploited. Instead, Del Bosque had choose David Silva, Villa's teammate at club level, to roaming in the 'hole'.

The vulnerability of Spain's defends is always a suspect. The team is full of stars, but they lacked calibre in the centre of the defend - Puyol & Pique are not the best of centreback partnership around. They have Machena and Albiol in reserved, but, I don't really rate both of them highly. Puyol & Pique choosen ahead of Machena & Albiol possibly due to the fact, they played together at club level.

What when wrong ?

1) Tactic. Spain should play a 4-4-2 setup and provide David Villa with a strike partner in order to opened up some space for him. Since Torres is not 100%, they should go with Fernando Llorente instead. He will cause some problem to the Swiss defends on the air and the gap would be Villa's to exploit. Del Bosque had choose David Silva instead to roam across the hole behind the main striker. The 4 in midfield should be Busquets (defensive midfielder), Xavi (midfielder - playmaker), Iniesta (left midfield) and David Silva (right midfield). Xabi Alonso should be left on the bench (although his performance is actually no that bad).

2) Passing game. They had over-done it ! The majority of the passing game were on the midfield area orchestrated by Xavi, Alonso & Iniesta. The pass more to the sideways rather than forward where it can hurt the Swiss guard for opportunity on goal. Having said that, afterall, they only have David Villa to aim for in the box and he's not the best of a header. In addition, the Swiss penalty area already being crowded by the excellent, well discipline Swiss defender and there is hardly space to maneuver. The Spaniard should shoot on goal more often to put some nervous moment into the opposition defender.

This is not the end of Spain though. There are two more, certainly, win-able games against Honduras & Chile. They have no choice now, they have to win both games if they are to be the first Spaniard to win the World Cup. It is time for Spain to step up and live up to the expectation.

V.I.V.A B.R.A.S.I.L

Note : Hats off to the Swiss..

Picture source : ESPNSoccernet & ESPNStar

VUVUZELA AT WORLD CUP 2010

An annoying plastic trumpet ? Well, it depends on where are you coming from. Anyone who enjoy watching the Football World Cup 2010 would certainly being bothered by the "non-stop-loud-horn-like" sound that being produced by the Vuvuzela. It make the match day atmosphere feel weird and out of this world, that is, if you are coming from outside of Africa.

Personally, I found it irritating. Furthermore, the commentator nowadays work alone (possibly due to budget issue) and the tendency to get bored is very high due to no variation in voice as other noises from the stadium being swamped by the Vuvuzela sound. We hardly can hear the spectator's voice, the song they sung, the 'Uuuhhhh' & the 'Arrhhhh' when the player misses good chances. All that can be heard, constantly, is the 'vuvuzela' sound.. like a bzzzz of millions of bees!

Hey, wait.. how loud actually this Vuvuzela is ?

Gordon Bell of Reuters write :

"......The tests, conducted late last month in a sound-proof studio, found the vuvuzela emitted 127 decibels, more than the air horn -- 123.5 decibels -- and the Brazil's samba drums. A referee's whistle was fourth while the cowbell, a favourite in Switzerland and Austria, trailed at 114.9 decibels."

Info from Wikipedia said :

"A new model, however, announced on 14 June 2010, has a modified mouthpiece which is claimed to reduce the volume by 20 dB."

Be it 127 decibels or reduced by 20 decibels, the noise is unbearable and to be honest the atmosphere doesn't sound good in the television! Aren't they even get tired trumpeting for the whole 90 minutes ?

Wonder how much does it cost to make such a noise ?

A quick checked on the merchandise website selling the Vuvuzela, it priced at as high as 60 Rand = RM 25.59 per unit !

Complaint all you might, after all, this is the African World Cup. What make it an African World Cup if the local tradition being omitted ?

Therefore, let's just enjoy the football game..

Note : Right now, Portugal vs Ivory Coast..

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME - WORLD CUP DAY 2

The tournament had kick-off nicely as written in my previous entry . To date, no big upset just yet and too many draws. I would like to comment on selected team. Bear in mind that I am only a fan, not the expert. Therefore, my comment is based on my guts feeling as a fan.. of course it may include some simple stats I picked from the footballing sites.

Team : England
Group : C
Played against : USA (12th June 2010)

The game was setup nicely for England when they had their break on the 4th minutes courtesy of neat interchange play between Heskey and Gerrard at the edge of USA penalty box. Excellent finishing by Gerrard with some composure.

The USA strike back on the 39th minutes when a shot by Dempsey bounds off Green's palm and the ball agonisingly rolled over the line to make the scoreline 1 - 1. And, that is how the game finished.

Overall, the England team was not playing as fluently as expected. The choice of Green (keeper), Milner (Left Midfield) and King (Centreback) has backfired.

1) Green. Made a bad mistake when he should be shielding the ball by his body if he got a good body positioning behind his pair hand. Should the ball skidded pass the gloves, it should hit the body as to prevent the ball from rolling into the empty net. Although, he made an excellent save in the later stage of the game, it cannot redeem the mistake earlier. The damaged was already done. He seems shaky from the starts.

2) Milner. It seems that he has no clue of what his role is on the field. Milner is predominantly right footed and always plays on the right side of the field when featured for his club. At 23, may be he hasn't been matured enough to take the responsibility of playing out of position. Rarely got a ball. Foul as much as he touch the ball. Nothing of his play on that night worth remembering. In single word.. ineffective

3) King. A good player he is but the trouble with injury is well documented. Capello take a gamble on him and it had backfired immediately. He suffered another injury blow and will keep him out for some time. As good as gone. He should not be picked in the first place. I believed, England do have many talented centreback who are ready to step up. Like Gary Cahill (Bolton) and Phil Jagielka (Everton). I was surprised that neither made to the squad. Not even the provisional 30!

Suddently, England had a gapping hole to be filled in the centreback area. The choices are Upson, Carragher & Dawson. They are all of the-John-Terry-kind of centreback. Non is like the Ferdinand type (the closest is King, but he got injured now). Most probably, Upson will got the nod ahead of the others. They also had problem (always does) with the left midfield position. For sure, Milner & SWP were not a natural there. In fact, none of the England squad is a natural left midfielder! The closest they got are Joe Cole and of course 'the man in a mission' Captain Courageous Steven Gerrard. Even those two are not a natural left midfield player. Not to mention the dilemma the coach facing for the goalkeeping position. Is Mr-Calamity-James really the answer ? or should Capello gamble with the inexperience Joe Hart ? or stick with nervous-errorred-prone Green ?

Having said all that, where is the-boy-wonder-the-best-England-striker Mr Rooney been in this game ? Possibly, the USA had a good game plan in curbing Rooney threat that his name was hardly being mention by the commentator. And, the worrying fact is ESPNSoccernet had given the Man-of-the-match to Emile Heskey. The striker whom does not score enough goal himself. Even Lampard-the-midfielder scores more goal for England than Heskey-the-striker.

Whatever it is, the campaign is already look steep and England will struggle to match their fans' expectation to bring back the Cup they solely won on their home soil 44 years ago!

V.I.V.A B.R.A.S.I.L


Note : For latest news.. click here