Player Profile Number 5: Arjen Robben

Arjen Robben of the Netherlands is my player profile from Group E.

Every single game I have watched Robben play I have been impressed. He always appears to have such time on the ball. He is an exciting player and a very adept winger. He creates opportunities for his team mates and has scored many very high quality goals. In a team that has so many good players Robben continually stands out for me and if the Netherlands are to win their first ever world cup they will need this man at the top of his game.

Whether it be for Groningen, PSV, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or the Netherlands Robben never fails to excite. This season particularly he is in excellent goalscoring form. He also won the title of footballer of the year in Germany on 25 May 2010. My only criticism of him is that he appears to be a bit of a diver. I can't imagine the World Cup featuring no simulation for Robben, and when it does occur, it will be interesting to see if it wins his side freekicks or if he will get booked.

Player Profile Number 4: Sulley Muntari

Sulley Muntari of Ghana is my player profile for Group D.

If Ghana are going to qualify from Group D they will need Sulley Muntari to be on fire. Reeling from the absence of Michael Essien Muntari will have to do the work of about 1.5 men.

Muntari is a strong ball winning midfielder currently plying his trade at Inter Milan. He also has the ability to bomb forward and create goal scoring opportunities for the strikers, occasionally popping up with one himself. He has always been immensely talented but has suffered from ill-discipline. He gets far too many red cards. He needs to make sure that at the World Cup he channels his aggression into a positive focus. I will back him to do so.

Getting past a midfield wall of Essien and Muntari is incredibly difficult. Now with Essien gone Muntari will really have his work cut out. Whether he manages to step up to the mark could easily be the difference between qualification or not.

Player Profile Number 3 Aaron Lennon

Aaron Lennon of England is my Group C Player Profile.

Aaron Lennon is a player I have followed very closely since he was 16 years old and broke into Leeds Utd's first team squad, in the Premier League. He moved to Tottenham Hotspurs in 2005 due to Leeds financial difficulties (for a shockingly low 1 million pounds) and because they were playing in the Championship and not the Premier League. For 3 seasons in a row Lennon was nominated as the PFA young player of the year but on each occasion was beaten to the title - by Wayne Rooney, Christiano Ronaldo and Ashley Young respectively.

Right from the age of 16 it was apparent to me that he was something special and would one day in the not so distant future play for England. He has blistering pace, close ball control and the ability to beat players. He can pass quickly, move into dangerous positions at pace, whip in a good cross and finish adeptly. Lennon has been injured for much of this season but is coming back to full fitness. He is probably vying with Walcott for a starting role on the right wing, and I for one would pick him. Lennon is of higher quality and is more consistent than Walcott but it's a nice selection dilemma for England to have.

I am hoping for big things from this young man at the 2010 World Cup

Let's Shock The World: World Cup podcast

My friend Hayden Henderson and I are doing a regular podcast for the World Cup. We recorded our first one about half a day before the All Whites played Serbia. We talk about New Zealand's side and our chances at World Cup 2010, we preview Groups A, B, C and D and we both pick a dark horse.

The All Whites magnificent and monumental victory over Serbia just proves we do have the potential to shock the world. And just goes to prove our fallibility as well particularly given some of Hayden's comments.

You can find the link here. Enjoy! You can also subscribe through iTunes.

Let me know what you think.

Player Profile Number 2: Angel di Maria

Angel di Maria of Argentina is a player I've never seen play. Up until recently I had barely even heard of him. What then makes me qualified to write about him? Nothing. But by putting something together based on reading from a number of different sources I can inform both myself and you about him. Why have I chosen to profile him? Because from the reading I have done, and the youtube clips I have watched, I get the feeling that he could do something very special at the World Cup.

Angel di Maria is 22 and is a left winger for Portugese champions Benfica. He has exceptional dribbling skills, pace, creativity, picks a good pass and has a venomous shot.

Angel has only played 8 games for the national side but has played for them at the Under 20 World Cup and the Under 23 Olympics, with starring roles for both. He has played 82 league games for Benfica (scoring ten goals) and is rumoured to be a target of big clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United. This last season has been his best ever in terms of goals to games ratio - scoring about one every 4 games.

Should he be given opportunities to impress at World Cup 2010 I am convinced that he will do so.

Player Profile Number 1: Rafael Marquez

I am going to profile one player from each group who I believe will make a big impact on that group or indeed on the World Cup in general. I am not going to choose the likes of Messi, Rooney, Ronaldo etc - they will be someone who is perhaps less celebrated worldwide but crucial nevertheless.

My player for Group A is Rafael Marquez of Mexico.

To me it feels like Marquez has been around forever, yet he is only 31. I watched him closely at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups and I have watched him play a number of times for Barcelona who he joined from Monaco in 2003 for 5 million euros (what a bargain!). He is my favourite Mexican player, a team for whom I have a soft spot that I cannot explain.

Marquez is generally a centre-back. I say generally because whilst that is his best and usual position he offers a versatility that means he has also filled in quite successfully at right-back and defensive midfield. At centre-back he reads the game so well and is calm, composed and self-assured on the tackle and distributes the ball intelligently. He has an excellent cross-field ball and is strong in the air.

He is also Mexican captain and has been for many years. He is a true leader that leads by example and he marshalls his troops very well. He has made a total of 327 appearances in the league for Atlas, Monaco and Barcelona, 57 in European competitions and has 88 international caps.

Despite being a defender Marquez has contributed important goals for whoever he has played. He is more prolific at international level for whom he has ten. Don't be surprised if he adds another during the World Cup.

Marquez is mature, utterly dependable and an all round excellent player who is even capable of the spectacular. One doesn't become a mainstay for a mesmerising team like Barcelona without being a quality player. A brilliant centre-half and a consummate professional. Good luck for the World Cup Rafa.

Big names NOT playing at the 2010 World Cup

There are a number of big name/star players who have not been selected for World Cup 2010 squads. There are also a number who will be missing through injury and there are others who are under an injury cloud. I will try to provide a list below. No doubt I will miss a number so feel free to add players in the comments section. It can be quite subjective as to whom one considers a star player or not. Especially as for some of the weaker nations their star player(s) may be also-rans in relation to players from the traditional power house nations.

We must also consider that some of the star names we bemoan the managers for omitting are over the hill, are not what they were four years ago, and are still twinkling in our minds eye as the amazing player they used to be. Some of the surprise inclusions, or should I say the new players we haven’t heard of, will dazzle us all at the World Cup. I am excited to find out who and how!

Not selected

Brazil
Ronaldinho (AC Milan)
Pato (AC Milan)
Adriano (Flamengo)

Ronaldinho has barely featured for Brazil over the last year so I and many others had predicted he wouldn’t make the World Cup squad. It was still a shock nevertheless to have it confirmed. Ronaldinho is synonymous throughout the world (including for those who know nothing about football) with breathtaking skill and has been on good form for AC Milan. He is also one of the stars of the brilliant new Nike ad. His inclusion could be considered by some as a Nike fail.

Pato is 20 years old, an immense player for AC Milan and has somehow been overlooked. This is a shocking decision.

Argentina
Zanetti (Inter Milan)
Cambiasso (Inter Milan)
(Gabriel) Milito (Barcelona)
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The omissions of Zanetti and Cambiasso are criminal. What was Maradona thinking? Zanetti has been in brilliant form for Inter Milan and Cambiasso is the only player I’ve seen contain Messi. I repeat, criminal.
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Italy
Totti (Roma)
Del Pierro (Juventus)
Toni (Roma, on loan from Bayern Munich)
Grosso (Juventus)

Manager Lippi seems intent on bringing through new prospects and as a result these four players on the wrong side of 30 miss out. Totti hasn’t played for his country since the last World Cup but after making himself available many had expected him to be picked. The only one of the four I am really surprised about is Grosso. He is the youngest of the four at 32 (and this is normally young for an Italian defender!) and seemed to still have a lot to offer. He did come the closest as he was picked in the preliminary 30 man squad but Lippi has deigned to cull him since then.
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France
Vieira (Man City)
Nasri (Arsenal)
Benzema (Real Madrid)

Surprised with Nasri who is a talent I would have expected Domenech to want at his disposal. I am sure Benzema’s absence is in part because of his inability to hold down a place at Real Madrid.

Holland
Van Nistelrooy (Hamburg)

Was surprised at this but he is certainly past his prime.

Portugal
Moutinho (Sporting)

Uruguay
Rodriguez (Porto)

Injuries

Charlie Davis - USA (Sochaux) – serious car crash in October 2009
Beckham - England (AC Milan)
Michael Ballack – Germany (Chelsea)
Rene Adler – Germany (Bayer Leverkusen)
Diarra – France (Real Madrid)
Cabanas – Paraguay (Club America)

Michael Ballack is a massive blow to Germany. He is the main cog in the German machine. It’s all very well for people to say that Schweinsteiger should step up but they play a different type of game. His direct replacement in the team is to be Sami Khedira: he has big shoes to fill.

Rene Adler is hardly a superstar but he is the first choice goalkeeper for Germany so he deserves to be included in this list. Germany will have to employ their 2nd choice goalkeeper who will be hoping the fans won’t be making Oliver Kahn comparisons.

You have to feel sorry for David Beckham – a model professional and a man who is still one of the best exponents of the precision pass from one side of the field to another. He was very unlikely to have been a starter but his experience and quality of the bench may have been useful. He will be in South Africa with the team, probably in a mentoring capacity.

Diarra has an odd problem. He developed stomach pains during altitude training and is ‘indefinitely’ out due to a genetic red blood cell disorder.

Cabanas is Paraguay’s star striker. In January of this year he was shot in the head at a nightclub. He has recovered very well since but is not able to play football yet.

Under an injury cloud

Spain
Torres (Liverpool)
Fabregas (Arsenal)
Iniesta (Barcelona)

3 of the best players in the world all under an injury cloud but expected to recover in time for the tournament. For Spain’s sake you have to hope it won’t affect their preparations too badly.

Other Countries
Essien – Ghana (Chelsea)
Kewell – Australia (Galatasaray)
Sorenson – Denmark (Stoke)
Skrtel – Slovakia (Liverpool)

Kewell seems like he’s always injured. Neither has he been the same player since his wonderful displays for Leeds United in the early 2000’s. But he’s the most naturally talented player in the Australian squad.

Skrtel’s been out of action for Liverpool for 3 months and hoping to be fit in time.

There are also some excellent players who can’t play at the World Cup because their country failed to qualify. The player that I will most miss, from a country which did not qualify, is Arshavin of Russia. He is a superb midfielder I love to watch play.

As the World Cup nears there will be other stars who pick up injuries, and again when it starts unhelpful injuries and suspensions are a given.

No doubt I have missed a very many fine individuals out from these lists. Please do inform me of who they might be and anything you might disagree with.

The England Selection Debate - who will stay behind?

As an avid follower of English club and international football since my earliest days as a football fan this is probably the team on which I can speak with most authority. Obviously my authority has nothing on Capello’s but it doesn’t stop me from airing my views. That, after all, is the purpose of a blog.

England are one of the few countries not to have named their final 23. They have named a 30 man preliminary squad that needs to cut 7. I will explore who these might or should be.

First of all: a reminder of the 30 man squad – 3 goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 12 midfielders and 5 strikers

Goalkeepers
James - Portsmouth
Hart – Man City (on loan at Birmingham)
Green – West Ham
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Defenders
(Ashley) Cole – Chelsea
Carragher – Liverpool
Ferdinand – Man Utd
Terry – Chelsea
Dawson – Spurs
(Glen) Johnson – Liverpool
Upson – West Ham
King – Spurs
Warnock – Villa
Baines – Everton

Midfielders
(Adam) Johnson – Man City
Milner – Villa
Gerrard – Liverpool
Carrick – Man Utd
Huddlestone – Spurs
(Joe) Cole – Chelsea
Lennon – Spurs
Parker – West Ham
Barry – Villa
Lampard – Chelsea
Wright-Phillips – Man City
Walcott-Arsenal

Strikers

Defoe – Spurs

Rooney- Man Utd

Heskey – Villa

Crouch – Spurs

Bent – Sunderland

The 3 goalkeepers are certain.

Out of the 10 defenders Capello is likely to select 8. In my mind this means Warnock misses out (he is in straight competition with Baines for the second choice left-back slot). The other to miss out will surely be a centre-back as there are six who can play there. The unlucky man is between King, Dawson, Upson and Carragher.

King has had chronic knee problems but is experienced and of high quality. Upson was always considered one of the best young defenders in England but has not been on form in recent years and was involved in West Ham Utd’s relegation scrap. Dawson has come into the reckoning of recent times and was part of a strong Spurs back line that finished 4th in the Premier League. Carragher has been encouraged out of retirement. Purely on central defence he is the weakest but he offers back-up to the first choice right-back Johnson and is a versatile player. Upson misses out for me but I would not be too concerned if it was Dawson that missed out instead.

Out of the 12 midfielders 8 are likely to go to South Africa. Milner, Gerrard, Lampard, Barry (fitness permitting) and Lennon are surely all obvious choices. Walcott is not far behind for me; he is inconsistent but can quickly change a game. I am also of the opinion that Johnson and Cole should both be part of the squad thus leaving Huddlestone, Carrick, Parker and Wright-Phillips behind.

I am convinced at least one of Johnson/Cole will miss out though because the problem with picking both is that it leaves England light on central midfielders. To compound this Capello may decide to use Gerrard as a striker playing just behind Rooney and Barry may not be fully fit. This would leave Lampard and Milner (who has been converted very successfully into a central midfield player this season, although the holding type role he may be asked to play doesn’t come naturally to him). We must also remember that Ledley King is capable of playing the holding midfield role and that Joe Cole can play both on the wing and in an attacking midfield type role.

Why do I want Cole and Johnson? Cole is a very gifted player technically. He might only be a squad member rather than a first team regular at Chelsea, but his skill level is high, one only has to look at the perfect technique he employed for that perfect volley he scored against Sweden at the last world cup. He is not a traditional winger but can play effectively in that type of role and is quite versatile.

Johnson has only just come onto people’s radar recently. I have known of him for about four years now. Initially he was one of those players I had only vaguely heard of after seeing him come on as a substitute for Middlesbrough in the Premiership on the odd occasion. Only a few months after I had heard of him he joined my beloved Leeds United on a one month loan in October 2006 (he did OK for Leeds in his four games for us, nothing flash). Thus at this point I researched him more fully and have followed his career fairly closely since then.

Johnson had another loan spell at Watford in 2007 and from all accounts put in some excellent performances prompting Middlesbrough to recall him. In 2008-09 he played 32 games, half as a substitute as he was behind Downing in the pecking order. In 2009-10, following relegation, he played the first half of the season for Middlesbrough in the Championship before Man City bought him in the January transfer window for 10 million pounds following yet more stellar performances. He has played a decent amount of times for Man City since then, putting in a number of man of the match performances. He is a really exciting prospect and it would mean a lot to his development to go to the World Cup. And were he to play a role from the substitutes bench I would back him to produce something special

Wright-Phillips’ star has fallen, he is no longer seen as one of England’s great hopes. One has to imagine that being bought by Chelsea a few years back, as Man City’s star player (a couple of years before they became rich), and becoming merely a bit part in their squad has stunted his growth as a player. Also, Chelsea do not have the reputation for nurturing their players so it is little surprise. (Have Chelsea done Wright-Phillips out of two World Cup squads then?). Still a good player but not quite good enough for the squad methinks.

The other 3 midfielders I have suggested to miss out are the central trio of Carrick, Parker and Huddlestone. All very decent players but not quite the standard of the players I have picked.

I think however that Capello will choose one of Cole and Johnson and give the other spot to Carrick, my preferred choice out of the three players in the previous paragraph. Johnson may indeed be the unlucky one. If this is what Capello decides then so be it. Another option would be to take one less defender (Dawson) to accommodate the extra midfielder. Could be a good idea but may leave England light on central defenders.

Out of the 5 strikers my choice to miss out is Bent. Second only to Rooney in the Premiership charts he may be but he has never replicated this for England and I don’t see why this will change. I have far more confidence in Defoe to do the business. Heskey I do not rate as a goalscorer but if he plays alongside Rooney there’s no doubt he can help the balance of the team by holding up play, laying balls off and generally making a good partnership. Crouch has very skilfull feet for such a tall man and has a great scoring record for England.

Which 7 would you leave behind? Which 7 will Capello leave behind? Your thoughts please.
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In the near future I will discuss my England starting 11. I have some very clear views on that topic.

Why I love the World Cup

The 2010 Football World Cup is rapidly approaching and I am amped. I spend hours a day poring over articles about every aspect of the tournament and I re-live previous tournaments through any means possible. I watch all of the TV that is even vaguely related to the tournament: “Official World Cup Preview”, “Destination South Africa”, “The Greatest of Our Time”, “World Football Rivalries” and anything else I can get my hands on. I own books that detail every single game played at every World Cup since it started. I plan to watch every minute of the World Cup. I did it in 2006 and 2002 and watched every second that my parents allowed me to in 1990, 1994 and 1998. And I have seen many hours of archived footage of all the other tournaments. Basically I am obsessed. This blog post will explore why the World Cup is so important to me and the rest of the football mad planet.

First and foremost, the Football World Cup is the biggest sporting event on the planet. Whilst I love the club team Leeds United more than any other sporting team there ever was or ever will be (by a long long way) the Football World Cup as a tournament dwarfs anything and everything. It is a month of a smorgasbord of football. 64 mouth-watering games with 32 teams (countries) battling it out for the right to call themselves world champions.

Qualification for the Football World Cup is arduous. The same countries do not appear in every tournament as qualification is so intense and difficult for many teams. Each World Cup there are big football nations that miss out on the competition such as Netherlands in 02. The 2010 version does not feature Croatia, Russia and Czech Republic for example.

The vast majority of the countries that get to appear at the Football World Cup are football mad. They are nations obsessed with success at the tournament. For some it is because of their proud histories: think England, Italy, France, Germany etc. For others it is in part because of the poverty of their populace: think African countries among others. In hard times football is something that can bind the whole country together. Wannabe footballers from the age of 4 upwards spend hours playing football on the streets emulating their heroes and dreaming of becoming a hero for the next generation. The country comes to a standstill when their nation plays and the whole nation breathe collective sighs of relief; celebrate with joyous ecstasy or bond in devastating despair. The countries footballers carry the hopes and dreams of their nation. And whilst to a non-football fan this seems silly, there is a perfect sense to it all.

One of the beautiful things about football is the intense rivalries. Matches between England and Germany, Spain and Portugal, England and Argentina, Germany and the Netherlands, to name but a few, are more than about football. They are moulded from the battlefields of war. They also develop from (perceived) injustices and bad luck suffered on the football pitch.

Would England v Germany have quite the same bite without (for example)

- the 2 world wars

- the controversial Hurst goal in the 66 World Cup Final (for which debate rages to this day as to whether the ball crossed the line),

- England’s semi-final penalty shoot-out losses in 1990 and 1996

No it would not.

Would England Argentina have quite the same bite without

- the Falklands War

- Ramsey’s description of the Argentinean players as ‘animals’ in the 1966 quarter-final after being so incensed by their dirty play

- the Maradona ‘Hand-of-God’ in 86,

- the Beckham sending off and penalty shoot-out loss in 1998,

- the Beckham penalty goal in 2002 (was it an Owen dive?)?

Again, no it would not.

Football history is littered with these kinds of rivalries. In the 2006 World Cup Angola found themselves in the same group as Portugal – the country from which they gained their independence in 1975. (They lost 1-0). In 2002 the opening game of the World Cup was Senegal France. Senegal gained its independence from France in 1960 and one of France’s best ever footballers, who happened to be playing in that match was Patrick Vieira – a man born in Senegal. Senegal stunned the football world with a beautiful 1-0 victory. That match epitomised in many ways the beauty of both football and the World Cup in general.

The 2010 Football World Cup will be a month long carnival no doubt featuring

- many of the world’s best footballers (who by virtue of this are also celebrities)
- brilliant games
- spectacular goals
- scrappy, lucky goals,
- sublime skill
- controversial decisions
- one or two minnows who surprise the world and make the quarter-finals
- massive games between footballing powerhouses
- unlucky, unjustified and justified suspensions from some of the bigger games
- the drama of at least one penalty shoot-out
- tears
- ecstasy
- despair
- laughter
- the odd bit of hooliganism
- injuries
- diving
- frustrations
- MUCH MUCH MORE.

What can you expect from this blog as we countdown to (and during) the tournament? I will be profiling each team, each group. I will be discussing team and squad selections, pointing out some of the interesting ironies, analysing the games, perhaps making the odd prediction or two and a lot more.

Join me on this journey. Comment, discuss, and argue over the beautiful game on the biggest stage of them all.

The return of William Fussey the blogger for 2010 World Cup!

Yes I'm back to provide fresh insights on the biggest sporting event in the world. During the last World Cup I would have written around 100,000 words lol, who knows what this tournament will bring :D

Stay tuned.

Follow me on Twitter @sirdonrevie

World Cup 2010 Qualifying coming down to the wire...

World Cup Qualifying is coming down to the wire. So it is probably time I looked at who has made it, the remaining permutations, who might miss out, what excitement we still have in front of us…and all of that kind of thing.

Let’s start with the important part: The All Whites. On Sunday 4.30am (NZ time) the All Whites will be facing Bahrain away in the first leg of two. The overall winner will make the World Cup. I am massively passionate in my support for getting the All Whites there and will be absolutely gutted if we miss out. It will just be out of this world if we can have 1982 all over again.

How have we got to this stage? Briefly, thanks to FIFA the All Whites have had two pieces of good fortune in our qualifying quest. The first was the decision to let Australia compete in the Asian Confederation. This allowed the All Whites a free run to win Oceania. Compare this to qualifying for 2006 when Australia won and then made the World Cup in an exciting two leg qualifier at the expense of Uruguay. The second was that the winner of Oceania would face the 5th placed Asian team rather than the 5th placed South American team. It was always going to be easier to face the likes of Bahrain or Saudi Arabia than someone like Venezuela or god forbid, Argentina.

But now we have to make the most of it. We have a good squad as far as Kiwi sides go (pretty useless compared with most sides but still). Nelsen is fantastic. A quality composed centre-back and a leader of men. It is a great boost to have him available. And without going into the rest of the team, we are in better shape than usual. Bahrain will be a very difficult proposition; it will be a fascinating and tense tussle.

OK, so let’s look at the rest of the qualifying.

Asia:

Starting with 43 teams, and going through a convoluted qualifying process, we now have the four automatic qualifiers: Japan, Australia, South Korea and North Korea. North Korea is a surprise, qualifying for the first time since 1966 and politically speaking it is fascinating that both North and South Korea have qualified. All 43 teams were seeded before qualifying and North Korea were seeded only 9th. Iran were given 3rd and missed out. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain advanced to the play-off to find the 5th team (and thus the one to face NZ) and Bahrain won on away goals. Asia is a weak zone. Australia, South Korea and Japan have some quality (with reference to the world stage), the rest really do not.

Africa:

Starting with 53 teams the final stage consists of 20 teams – 5 groups of 4. The winner of each group will go to the World Cup. As I write only one team has qualified: Ghana, who gave a very good account of themselves at World Cup 2006. The Ivory Coast has to all intents and purposes qualified being 6 points ahead of 2nd place in their group, 2 games remaining, and a 15 goal superior goal difference.

Group C will either be Algeria or Egypt. Two games remain, Algeria is 3 points ahead of Egypt and the last game of the round robin sees them head to head. Should they both win their penultimate games (Algeria home to Rwanda and Egypt away to Zambia) it is likely Egypt will need to win by a few goals over Algeria in the final game to sneak past their superior goal difference. Algeria has previously only made the World Cup Finals in 82 and 86.

The remaining two groups, A and B are tightly fought and could go down to the wire. Group A has Cameroon (7), Gabon (6), Togo (5) and Morocco (3) with 7, 6, 5 and 3. One would think Cameroon has the inside running but it is mathematically possible for any of the teams to win the group, and Togo (who featured in World Cup 2006) with Emmanuel Adebayor can never be written off.

Group B features heavyweights Tunisia and Nigeria alongside Mozambique and Kenya. Were Tunisia to qualify it would be their fourth consecutive World Cup. And with 8 points over Nigeria’s 6 they are currently in pole position, particularly as neither of their last two clashes is against each other. For myself, I love a World Cup to feature Nigeria and Cameroon so I’ll still be rooting for the Super Eagles. An interesting fact about African qualifying is that even though South Africa qualifies automatically by virtue of them being the host, they still compete in the qualifying tournament. Their results however do not count towards World Cup qualification but instead count towards qualifications for the African Cup of Nations (for all the other African teams it counts towards both).

North, Central America and Caribbean

Starting with 35 teams the final stage consists of a league of 6 teams with the top 3 qualifying and the 4th getting a playoff match with the 5th placed South American side. All 6 teams have two games left, none have technically qualified. The standings are very tight: USA (16), Mexico (15), Honduras (13) and Costa Rica (12). I’m confident the USA and Mexico will make it comfortably and Honduras and Costa Rica will have quite a battle to get the third automatic qualifying spot. Both teams have the USA left to play along with El Salvador for Honduras and Trinidad and Tobago for Costa Rica.

South America

South America has ten teams which play in a league. The top 4 automatically qualify and the 5th has a qualifying match with the 4th placed team from the North, Central America and Caribbean zone. As I write two teams have already qualified: Brazil and Paraguay. With two games to go another 6 teams are still in the hunt for the last 2 automatic spots, and also for 5th place and a likely victory over the 4th placed team from the North, Central America and Caribbean zone. These are Chile (27), Ecuador (23), Argentina (22), Uruguay (21), Venezuela (21) and Colombia (20). This group is incredibly exciting; I wish we had TV coverage of some of the games coming up! As you can see there is only 3 points currently between the 5 teams in 4th to 8th.

Chile should make it easily, Argentina have the advantage of (on paper) the easiest game of the 6 in the next round against Peru and so have a good chance to make 4th or 5th. Venezuela have to play both of the top 2 Brazil and Paraguay which is tough but as both these teams have qualified, may even help them. There are two particularly massive and fascinating games coming up: Ecuador v Uruguay in the next round of matches and Uruguay v Argentina in the final one. There are so many permutations in this group it is so exciting and so hard to analyse. I would love Maradona to fuck up and hence have Argentina miss out!

Europe

Europe has 53 teams consisting of 8 groups of 6 and one group of 5. The 9 group winners qualify. The 8 best runner-ups are then paired into 4 two leg qualifiers to find the final 4 European qualifiers. Currently only 3 teams: Spain, England and the Netherlands, have officially qualified. All teams have a maximum of two games remaining for them to play in their group.

Group 1 has Denmark (18), Sweden (15), Portugal (13) and Hungary (13) – all with 2 games left – competing for top spot (and 2nd). The next set of games sees Denmark v Sweden and Portugal v Hungary; both will be huge games. It would be nice to see Portugal miss out. Would also be nice to see Hungary get through for the first time in ages but I do also like Denmark and Sweden. I certainly see Sweden as the only real threat to Denmark’s top position as should they beat Denmark to pull level with them, they only have Albania to dispose of in the final round. They would then require Denmark not to beat Hungary due to Denmark’s significantly superior goal difference.

Group 2 has Switzerland (17), Greece (14), Latvia (14) and Israel (12) – all with 2 games left – competing for top spot (and 2nd). Switzerland is in a good position to win the group with their next game being against Moldova. Greece v Latvia will be a titanic battle and could settle 2nd place.

Group 3 has Slovakia with a clear advantage to take 1st place and only Slovenia (5 points behind with 2 games to go) who could thwart it. The fight for second place is intense with Slovenia (14), Northern Island (14), Czech Republic (12) and Poland (11) in competition. Northern Island is at a disadvantage with only one game to go compared with the others 2, and a tough one away at Czech Republic at that. Slovenia has the advantage of having their last game against perennial easy beats San Marino.

Group 4 is quite simply a fight between Germany and Russia as to who will take 1st place and automatic qualification, and who will take 2nd and the lottery of a qualifier. Germany is one point ahead of Russia and victory over Russia in the next game will make the final round of matches redundant. But a Russian win (and they are at home) would put Russia in a dominant position.

Group 5 – Spain has already qualified, and hasn’t dropped a point. Bosnia-Herzegovina is in 2nd and only Turkey can overtake them, and they are 4 points behind with two games to go. Bosnia-Herzegovina can take 2nd with victory away at Estonia in the next game but should they fail to do so and Turkey win away at Belgium they will be highly nervous, especially as their final match is against Spain.

Group 6 – England has already qualified, also with maximum points from their 8 games. 2nd spot is between Croatia and Ukraine. Croatia is two points ahead of Ukraine but only have one game remaining compared with Ukraine’s two. Ukraine’s next match at home against England could be the key especially as both Ukraine and Croatia have their final match away against a minnow. I hope Croatia get through.

Group 7 has Serbia (19), France (15), Austria (11) alongside Lithuania and Romania both on 9 who harbour only mathematical delusions of being able to qualify. With 2 games left it is likely Serbia will finish 1st and France 2nd although looking at the upcoming fixtures it is more likely for France to catch Serbia than Austria to catch France.

Group 8 has Italy (20), Republic of Ireland (16) and Bulgaria (11) with 2 games remaining. Hence it is possible but highly unlikely that Republic of Ireland will catch Italy and Bulgaria will catch Republic of Ireland. Even were Republic of Ireland to beat Italy in their next game, Italy’s final game is a straightforward one against Cyprus. Bulgaria has by far the easiest last two games and may have a chance if Republic of Ireland lose against Italy and then slip up against Montenegro.

Group 9 has already finished. The Netherlands won with maximum points and Norway took second over Scotland on goal difference. They will probably be the 2nd placed team to miss out on the qualifiers though as they only amassed 10 points from this group.

My biggest hope in European qualifying is for Republic of Ireland to make the World Cup!

The whole thing is incredibly exciting.

Come on you All Whites!!

SPAIN - Champions!!!!

Quarter-finals

Portugal 2-3 Germany
Croatia 1-1 Turkey, Turkey win on penalties
Netherlands 1-3 Russia (after extra-time)
Spain 0-0 Italy (Spain win on penalties)

Notable points:

Croatia Turkey was a tour de force with Croatia taking the lead in the 119th minute (1 minute remaining of extra-time) and Turkey somehow managing an equaliser in the dying seconds. Croatia were unlucky in this game. Russia's victory over the Netherlands was massive, particularly after Holland had thrashed some big names in the group stages

Semi-finals

Germany 3-2 Turkey
Russia 0-3 Spain

Germany-Turkey involved two teams I detest! But what an exciting game it was, and Turkey were unlucky after such a spirited and quality performance. Spain were dominant, an interesting final loomed.

Final

Germany 0-1 Spain

Spain were champions and deserved champions. A mercurial football country who always promised so much and delivered so little finally had a trophy. Fantastic stuff :)

Final Round of Group Games

Group A

Germany 1-0 Austria

Very much a David versus Goliath clash, I was desperately hoping for a David victory even though I was convinced this would never happen. The Austrians have performed much better at this tournament than anyone expected and can be proud to have a draw and two one goal losses to their name even if they couldn't repeat the miracle of Cordoba in this crucial fixture. Austria have been an inventive side lacking in scoring ability but players like Korkmaz and Ivanschitz caught the eye. This game was notable for the spat between both managers Low and Hickersberger in which they were both sent to the stands. Michael Ballack had the winning of the game with an absolute thunderbolt of a long range free kick with the Germans proving more intent on defending than attacking.

Croatia 1-0 Poland

Croatia had already just about guaranteed themselves top spot and cemented this with a comfortable victory over the disappointing Poles. After topping their qualifying group one might have expected a little better from them this tournament. Their only goal was against Austria and even this could be disputed for offside. This game had a nice story in that the winning goalscorer Klasnic had undergone a kidney transplant last year. Poland had needed to win by 2+ goals and Austria to lose to Germany in order to progress, this combination of events never going to happen.

Group B

Turkey 3-2 Czech Republic

Going into the match with exactly the same points and goals scored and goals against this was a straight out fight for second spot in the group and a place in the quarter-finals. For the first time ever there was a potential for a group match to end in a penalty shoot-out where this match to finish a draw, thanks to the intricacies of FIFA laws for the tournament. The Czechs would have seemed to be out of reach after a Koller header and a Plasil shot both found the back of the net for a 2-0 lead. However in the 75th minute a nice finish from Turan gave them hope. In the 87th minute Cech, one of the world's best keepers, contrived to drop the ball in a catastrophic moment that allowed Nihat to provide the equaliser. Moments later he stunned everyone with a driving shot from outside the box rattling off the crossbar and into the goal. Turkey had looked willing to attack in this game and played some nice football, however it was harsh on the Czechs who overall would have deserved a victory had they won. It was quite a remarkable comeback - Turkey have now managed two last minute victories in a row and found a quarter-final date with Croatia.

Switzerland 2-0 Portugal.

Portugal rested most of their team having already guaranteed themselves top spot, and Switzerland were able to end their participation in Euro 2008 on a high. Star player Hakin Yakin scored both goals but Switzerland will still be disappointed overall as they deserved at least a point in both of their first 2 games but ended up with nothing. Kuhn departs the National side much revered and loved by his players, and fair enough, I love you too Kobi!!!

Group C

Netherlands 2-0 Romania

Going into this match Romania knew a victory would guarantee them progression into the final eight. However they rarely threatened in what was quite frankly a dreadful performance. The players literally froze when they needed to stand up and be counted. Having finished top of their qualifying group ahead of the Dutch and having recorded victories over them, it wasn't as if they should have been scared. The Dutch may have been on fire in their opening fixtures but they were guaranteed top spot and were resting a few of their players. Passes consistently went astray and they hardly created any shooting opportunities apart from the odd half chance falling to Mutu and Codrea. Even as it became clear that they needed victory with Italy leading in the other game they were still far too cautious in the second half, ultimately paying the price as Huntelaar slipped in a goal and Van Persie smashed in from close range. Even losing 2-0 they could still have gone through if the Italy France game was a draw however with the Italians also two up this wasn't going to happen, and the Romanians seemed content to let the match drift to its conclusion. Romania will rue Mutu's penalty miss against Italy, however overall I was highly disappointed that a team who could offer so much offered so little in at least 2 of their 3 group games.

Italy 2-0 France

Group C appeared to be heading to a mouth watering finish however the 2 final group games played simultaneously did not live up to expectation and with about 20 minutes remaining both games seemed to be heading to their inevitable conclusions of Italy snatching second place. This game was not helped as Ribery was stretchered off in the early stages and Abidal brought down Luca Toni in the box on 25 minutes conceding a penalty and receiving a red card for his troubles. From this point on Italy were rampant and Toni wasteful with chance after chance. Henry had one good chance as he ended up pulling his trademark short across goal and just outside the post. The second goal when it did come was fortuitous as Henry deflected in De Rossi's free kick with his boot. Coupet made a great save from a Grosso free kick and Buffon made a great save from Benzema's curling effort. With Romania's loss to the Netherland's Italy had booked themselves a quarter-final date with Spain. However with the fantastic midfield pair of Pirlo and Zambrotta both suspended they will definitely have their work cut out!

Group D

Russia 2-0 Sweden.

With Sweden requiring only a draw from this fixture to progress it was inexplicable how poorly they played as Russia dominated the game, finally showing what a good team they are. It was no coincidence that this coincided with the return from suspension of their star player Arshavin who had a fantastic game in midfield spraying passes around. He and Pavlyuchenko were the goal scorers, both finishing off wonderful sweeping moves as the Russians moved the ball around with flair, speed and accuracy in what was a delight to behold. Sweden barely threatened until the last quarter when, realising their tournament was in danger of being over, tried to lay siege to the Russian goal. This however merely opened up more counter attacking opportunities for the Russians who could have quite easily added another 2 or 3 goals to their tally.

Spain 2-1 Greece

With the Spanish guaranteed top spot this was the Spanish second string, many of the players eager to impress and fight themselves into the first team for their quarter-final clash with Italy. Many, apart from perhaps Fabregas and Alonso did not take this opportunity. Greece in fact took the lead as the only team from Euro 2008 who had yet failed to score got themselves on the scoresheet with Charisteas heading home from Karagounis' free kick. Nikopolidis in the Greek goal, playing his last international was almost embarassed as Alonso attempted to score from inside his area as he has previously managed to do, however this floated just wide. De la Red and Guiza scored the goals which allowed Spain to claim a come from behind victory and keep up their 100% record thus far in the tournament.

Second Round of Group Games

Group A

Portugal 3-1 Czech Republic

Portugal were red hot, showing why they have been afforded the favourites tag by a number of critics. However they had to be on form to beat a Czech side who improved massively from their dour showing in the first game. It was an entertaining match and Portugal deserved their victory. Scolari was named as Chelsea manager after the match and will no doubt herald in yet another Chelsea revolution in a situation which has almost become farcical.

Turkey 2-1 Switzerland

Very hard luck on the Swiss. Switzerland were in my opinion the better of the two sides and were worth their 1-0 half-time lead with the awesome Yakin finishing off a nice move. Senturk's equaliser was a classic header but Turkey should already have been 2-0 down as Yakin missed a glorious chance from a similar spot to where he scored. Turan broke Swiss hearts with a lucky deflected goal. The Swiss had finished two games with 0 points to show, and yet having deserved far more in both games. I was quite bitter about this! And why does Kuhn never give Yakin a full ninety minutes? That annoys me too. Turkey will go head to head with the Czechs to claim second spot, a draw would yield penalties.

Group B

Croatia 2-1 Germany

In stark contrast to both team's opening games Croatia were excellent, creative and highly dangerous whilst Germany were a shadow of themselves. Germany still created a number of chances but they were wasteful, did not appear composed in defence, and generally did not impress. Srna was composed to open the scoring and their second was a little fortuitous but they were worth their win. Podolski's consolation goal proved yet again his brilliant finishing but frustration was evident as Schweinsteiger was sent off for a push in the latter stages. I'm not sure why Schweinsteiger is not a starter, especially after remembering his brilliant displays in WC06. David Odonkor was brought on as a sub for his pace but ended up doing more than his fair share of defending. My only criticism of Croatia is their inclination to sit back on a lead rather than really stamp their foot down.

Poland 1-1 Austria.

Austria started the game in bulldozing fashion creating chance after chance in a display of fast, skilful and penetrative football. All that was lacking was a finish as chance after chance went begging. Harnik missed great chances as the likes of him and Korkmaz blew the Polish defending apart. But it's in the final shot that they're lacking most and hence what should have been at least a 3-o lead remained goal-less. After such profligacy it was inevitable that the opening goal would be for the Poles, albeit one that perhaps should have been disallowed. It did after all appear offside. After the goal the Austrians never again found such rhythm. However in the final minute they were awarded a penalty causing the Polish PM to admit that he "wanted to kill". Vastic put it away becoming the oldest player to score in the Euros (38) and gave the Austrians a much deserved point. The Austrians are the team who have most touched my heart this comp. They will be looking to claim their most important win over the Germans to potentially reach the knock-out stage ahead of one of the favourites. It will be David against Goliath, come on David!!

Group C

Italy 1-1 Romania

Whilst I criticised Romania in their first game for lacking invention and appearing happy for a draw the same criticism could not be levelled at them this time. They played a really good game as did Italy, in what was a great game. 1-1 was a fair result. Both teams had chances in an entertaining game. Toni had a goal wrongly ruled for offside, and Buffon saved from a Mutu penalty, leaving Mutu absolutely distraught. Lobont pulled off a couple of fantastic saves in the Romanian goal. It must also be noted that Zambrotta was squarely at fault for the Romanian goal.

Holland 4-1 France

The Dutch have now put both World Cup finalists to the sword in consecutive games. Another fantastic display including a remarkable finish from Robben, smashing it in from an acute angle, and a great long-range effort from Sneijder. Henry uncharacteristically missed the perfect opportunity for a lob sending it over the bar. Great counter-attacking from the Dutch, hopefully they haven't peaked too early. A repeat of the World Cup Final in the last round of games will see elimination for at least one of Italy or France, few would have expected that prior to the tournament starting. Romania are the only one of the three to have it in their own hands - a win would take them through.

Group D

Spain 2-1 Sweden

A closely fought game with Villa's clinical winner proving the difference between the sides. Ibrahimovic scored another nice goal but was withdrawn at half-time as a precaution and the Swedish tendency to sit back in the second period proved frustrating for the Spanish. Wilhelmsson suffered an injury that will force him out of the Euro's which is a big blow as he provides telling crosses. The Spanish were not as devastating in this game but still did enough, and this was perhaps indicative of playing a workmanlike and effective side in the Swedes.

Russia 1-0 Greece

Goalkeeper Nikopolidis made the inexplicable decision to come sprinting off his line at the most inappropriate time handing Russia an easy opportunity to take the lead. Russia were clearly the better team and Greece were unable to repeat their European heroics of 2004 as they joined Switzerland as the only teams after the second round of group stage matches to be eliminated. Russia set up a showdown with Sweden in which a draw or win will hand Sweden runner-up spot behind Spain, a Russian win would allow them to advance.


A lot of permutations are possible in the last round of group matches. It's all very exciting. The largest set of permutations, perhaps not surprisingly, appear in group C.

First Round of Group Games

Summary of First Round of Pool Play

Group A

Czech Republic 1-0 Switzerland

Switzerland were the better side, the Czech Reupublic were very lucky. The Swiss created many chances that they just couldn't finish. Frei had a couple of chances before the talismanic influential skipper was injured and had to come off. Subsequently he has been ruled out of the tournament which should prove to be a knock-out blow to them. Yakin put a free header wide and the Swiss generally played with enthusiasm and inventiveness. The Czechs took the lead against the run of play as Sverkos scored with a clinical finish. And the Swiss still pressed: Barnetta having a good shot blocked by Cech and Vonlanthen hitting the follow up onto the crossbar. Really disappointing start to the tournament, as Swiss manager Kobi Kuhn said: "football is not about justice". Frei's injury was heart-wrenching and the result was undeserved and gut wrenching. And this merely to add to Kuhn's trauma of his wife being ill in hospital...

Portugal 2-0 Turkey

Very comfortable win for the talented Portugese side. It could so easily have been more. Ronaldo showed his class, the Portugese hit the woodwork on more than one occasion and whilst Turkey were willing participants in a vibrant match, they never managed to demonstrate a cutting edge. Emre has since been ruled out of the next match with the Swiss due to injury and thus both teams key men will be missing.

Group B

Croatia 1-0 Austria

Croatia can also count themselves lucky as the unheralded Austrian side picked to do so badly at Euro 2008 showed a lot of pluck and would have been worthy recipients of a point against a Croatian side who largely disappointed. Croatia had to hold on in the second half and never quite lived up to their billing as a potential tournament winner. But they got the points!

Germany 2-0 Poland

Germany looked dangerous throughout and played a generally good game with Frings operating well down the wing and Podolski scoring a double. His second was a smashed volley highlighting his class. Boruc in goal for the Poles proved solid as usual, helping to keep the score down. The Germans showed why they are one of the favourites for Euro 2008

Group C

France 0-0 Romania

Whilst many have argued that Romania played well, contained France, and showed themselves to be a useful side I was personally disappointed. I felt they never attacked with much gumption and were too prone to giving the ball away. I admit I was expecting big things from the Romanians who proved in qualifying how good they are, instead they came across as a team willing to simply soak up French pressure and hold on for a draw...one hopes they show more attacking flair in later games. France did OK without Henry and Vieira but ultimately lacked spark, Benzema never really showing quite what he was capable of. Hence the match was a much more drab affair than was surely expected.

Netherlands 3-0 Italy

The Dutch were scintillating on the counter attack. The Italians missed Cannavaro, especially as Materazzi had a poor game. Zambrotta was useful for the Italians, and Pirlo showed off his beautiful passing skills as usual (I absolutely love watching his sweeping crossfield passes that fall so accurately at his team-mates feet) but the Italians had little else to write home about. Holland were pretty electric on the break, and this without the injured Arjen Robben. The first goal appeared offside although later as UEFA clarified the offside rules, was apparently not. The second was sumptuous, crossfield ball from Van Bronckhurst, delightfully flicked on by Kuyt and beautifully finished by Sneijder and the third was a straightforward header which killed off the tie. Prior to the third goal going in Van Der Sar pulled off a couple of stunning saves, none more so than the tremendous save from a Pirlo free kick that looked destined for the goal. Great to see the Dutch humble the Italians as I'll never forget the Euro 2000 semi-final when Holland were clearly deserving, missed two penalties in the game, and were ultimately eliminated.

Group D

Spain 4-1 Russia

Spain were sublime, and looked like scoring all day long. Villa notched the tournament's first hat-trick and Fabregas scored his first international goal (with a scrappy effort resulting from some shoddy defending). Russia were a little lax in defence but looked like a good hard-working team overall, and indeed both hit the post and scored what proved to be a deserved consolation. Strangely the tournament's seventh game was the first one in which both teams scored!

Sweden 2-0 Greece

Greece were disappointing and their defensive tactics that worked wonders at Euro 2004 were undone by a scintillating Ibrahimovic strike. If you haven't seen it just watch it, it's potentially the goal of the tournament. The second goal was very scrappy but a 2-0 victory was a fair result. Unfortunately Wilhelmsson suffered a leg injury which will rule him out for at least the next game. The next two games in this group (Spain - Sweden and Russia - Greece) will be crucial as both victors play each other as do both victors, thereby providing the opportunity for one team to guarantee a quarter-final spot and another to be completely eliminated. Such a situation also has the potential to develop in Group A's next two matches.

One reason I love big tournaments like Euro 2008

Apart from the passion big tournaments incite for the legions of fans following their team, and the excitement of the neutrals to see a stimulating feast of world class football amongst a backdrop of tension and emotion it is a chance to see in action a number of players who you knew very little about or never new existed.

From my own position as one who loves football, I unfortunately am unable to follow the lesser European leagues such as the Dutch and French leagues - 2 excellent leagues but apart from the few minutes I get to see of these teams in the Champions League, I am devoid of watching domestic games from these places as well as from Germany, Greece, Switzerland (lack of TV access to these countries leagues in New Zealand a big problem etc etc etc). And even the big leagues of Spain and Italy I don't watch too much of. Watching a European Championship acquaints you with a lot more players, who they play for, how they play and all those other pieces of interesting information. It is fascinating to watch international football especially in such a passionate tournament.

P.S. Reviews from the first round of games in the four groups coming soon!!

Preview of Euro 2008!

Qualifying Campaigns... ... ...and then there were 16!

After many months of intensive qualifying campaigns for all European Nations the 16 teams were confirmed a couple of months ago. The disappointing aspect for me was that none of the 5 teams I classify as the Home Nations made it. England faltered at the last against Croatia, Scotland after such a wonderful qualifying campaign against the likes of France, Italy and Ukraine just missed out (perhaps the most gut wrenching), Wales were average, Republic of Ireland whom I love were disappointing and Northern Ireland also had a fantastic campaign including that wonderful Healy hat-trick against Spain but despite probably their best qualifying campaign ever also ended up missing out. However we have to move on from all that, I'm still excited by Euro 2008, the European Championships are the second best sporting event in the world in my opinion so I can't wait to watch the games and follow the action! Whereas the lack of Leeds United from the Premiership makes me lose excitement for the prem, the absence of the Home Nations has not dulled any of my fervent lip wetting for Euro 2008!

Introduction to 2008

For anyone who has been living in a cave of recent times, Euro 2008 is being co-hosted by Switzerland and Austria, considered as the also-rans of the tournament based on their lowly world rankings (Austria at 91 and Switzerland at 44 - the only two outside the top 30). However for me Switzerland conjures up images of beautiful snowy mountains for skiing and Austria makes me thing of old-fashioned, gorgeous architecture and My Fair Lady! Both will be passionate friendly hosts and will hopefully raise their game due to a home advantage. There are four groups of four, and from each group two teams will advance to quarter finals, and then we'll have the semis followed by the final!! Here is a brief preview for each group. I don't like to make predictions but as anyone who reads will expect some predicting, I might as well have a bit of a try. Sometimes it might even be based on hope rather than expectation! And no doubt my guesses for Group C will be almost random...how does one even begin to consider the group of death?

Group A

Czech Republic are always expected to do well in recent times and were stunning in qualifying. They have a strong squad even though they are missing the influential Rosicky through injury and couldn't lure Nedved out of retirement. Cech is immense in goal. The Czechs can be very inconsistent: breathtaking one day, disappointing the next.
Prediction: Runner up

Portugal: A great squad, and Christiano Ronaldo - possibly the world's best player at the moment. Were nervy at times in qualifying but manager Luis Felipe Scolari is very good in big tournaments. Lots of talent. Can they harness this to complete Euro success for the first time?
Prediction: Group Winner

Switzerland: As home nation they might surprise a few people. Frei is their key man. They have a very solid defence and are a technically proficient young side including Arsenal defenders Senderos and Djourou.
Prediction: Third

Turkey: Unfortunately not quite the class of World Cup 02. Their one surviving star from that team is keeper Rustu Recber and he may have to settle for 2nd choice. Did not set the world on fire in qualifying and are unlikely to in Euro 2008 either.
Prediction: Last

Group B

Austria: Ranked 92nd in the world they are considered the worst team at the tournament by far. The son of a famous Austrian footballer was even involved in a petition to get them to voluntarily resign from the tournament from fear of embarassment. However with home support behind them and a bit of luck, who knows.
Prediction: Last

Croatia: An exciting and dangerous team. Even considering the serious injury to main striker Eduardo they are a force to be reckoned with combining team work and a lot of skill. Their is prodigious talent and a good togetherness about this side and can really fancy their chances, especially if the prodigiously talented Modric can shine.
Prediction: Group Winner

Germany: Unusually for the Germans they now play an exciting brand of football and will look to the cut and thrust of Ballack for inspiration and Klose for the goals. Germany always tend to be there or thereabouts in tournaments and as a result are expected to be a force.
Prediction: Runner up

Poland: Stormed their tricky qualifying group and are well blessed in goal with Boruc, Poland may have a better chance than at first glance. Bit lacking in creativity however.
Prediction: Third

Group C (An INSANE group of death)

France: Sometimes take a while to warm up at major tournaments which may prove their downfall in a group of this calibre. They are stacked with fine quality players but having lost to Scotland home and away in qualifying teams will have spotted their fallibility. Nevertheless they are a proven international force with a fine squad.
Prediction: Group Winner

Italy: World Cup winner but without their rock and captain Cannavaro through injury may struggle. However they have a very impressive squad with the creative force of Pirlo complementing bulldog Gattuso in midfield. With Buffon in goal and Luca Toni up front they have an excellent backbone to the side.
Prediction: Last

Netherlands: Usually an exciting team who's defenders can attack they currently have a more conventional style. Unusually they have very good defensive stats. Holland may miss Babel up front but they ooze quality in many areas of the team. Can be quite mercurial at times as well.
Prediction: Third

Romania: Had a fantastic qualifying campaign. Whilst many might say they look out of depth in their group compared with their illustrious opponents underestimate them at your peril. Much will depend on the performances of key man Mutu.
Prediction: Second

Group D

Greece: Unlikely to repeat their feats of 2004 they do have a hard working side, performed very well in qualifying, and retain Otto Rehhagel as manager from 04
Prediction: Last

Spain: As usual Spain have a very talented squad, but can the perennial underachievers of world football perform to the high standards expected of them, or will they flop again? With players like Casillas, Fabregas, Torres and Villa maybe for once it will be the former.
Prediction: Group Winner

Sweden: With the supremely confident striking talents of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and with Larsson again coming out of retirement there are definitely goals in this side. Especially with the quick Wilhelmsson and Ljunberg to set up from the wings. However Ibrahimovic has yet to fire at a major tournament despite his wonderful abilities. Is 2008 his year?
Prediction: Third

Russia: When Guus Hiddink is the manager, also rans can get much further than expected. Even though Pogrebnyak is a major injury doubt and star man Arshavin is suspended for their first two games Hiddink certainly knows how to get the best out of his players.
Prediction: 2nd

Well there ya go, Euro 2008 on on on!

Resurrection of my Blog!

As it is only a couple of sleeps or so until Euro 2008 begins, and this blog was initially started to analyse every moment in the 2006 world cup, it is fitting that after a year away from the blogosphere, I re-start now. Now, so that like for the 06 World Cup, I can freely express my views on the tournament: the teams, the moments, the controversies. Whether or not anyone ever reads my blog again I shall enjoy the process of writing it, and that is indeed all that matters.

There have been a million and one things I should have been blogging about since my last blog post just over a year ago. A lot has happened in politics, make that a huge amount worth putting my tuppence worth of thoughts on paper for. I have had holidays away that I should have reviewed. A number of things have happened in my life that are worth commenting on, and thus linking back to the themes of humanity. A lotta lotta stuff I should have blogged on, and I haven't.

Reading my second to last post on this blog it's pretty ironic. I was expressing my bitter disappointment and sadness over Leeds relegation from the Championship. Who could possibly have imagined that a year on and there would be something I would consider in some ways even worse to cry about regarding my beloved Leeds. I shall leave Leeds United until later, as I shall in the not too distant future write a season review as I have not commented on Leeds on this blog since that relegation.

So anyone and everyone (or indeed no-one) William Fussey is back (he hopes!). And after starting this post he wonders why he was ever away at all. Somehow my posts dried up and I never really thought about starting them back up again, especially as I started using my bebo blog a little. And then as Euro 2008 neared I suddenly remembered this blog! This, methinks, is the appropriate place for my blogging. So sit back, relax and enjoy once more. As once again I hope this to be the place for my many opinions on sport, politics and my philosophies on life :) It will be hard to fit this in over the Euro's in between watching games in the early morning, going to work and doing tutoring in the evening. Not to mention fitting in a social life as well. However sleep is over-rated so I'll do the best I can :p

Facebook is a wonderful thing.

Facebook is awesome! It's a website which allows you to connect to sooooo many people. Over the last month or so since I've joined I've got back in contact with so many people I lost contact with when I moved from England to New Zealand. So many friends I'd made up to the age of 12 are now just a computer click away. And they are all perfectly recognisable, I guess people's facial features dont really change that much.

It's a great website, and there's plenty of Kiwis on there too... so get connecting!

Relegation

Sorry I haven't posted for a little while but my bitterness has meant that I haven't felt like it.

On Sunday 29th April I went on the internet - heart in my mouth as usual - to check out the Championship scores. As soon as I discovered that we'd drawn after a last minute Ipswich equaliser, and Hull had beaten Cardiff, I knew this meant we had been relegated. The first time in our 88 year history we had been sent down to play in the third tier of English Football.

I started to cry. Tears ran freely down my face. It's not the first time I've cried sitting on a computer at Uni, I'm surprised no-one has caught me yet haha!

People don't really understand how bad I feel. I spend over an hour practically every day reading about Leeds on the sites, message boards etc, sometimes up to 3+ hours (yes I am a saddo). Since my whole life is practically subsumed with hope and worry for Leeds, since I exert so much of my energies on my favourite team, the fact that everything has come to this...is so goddamn terrible.

I just sat there crying.

Since then I have felt anger, and I have felt flat. Just plain old dejected. A bit like the 2006 playoff final except worse.

The cycle of tears, anger and flatness is one I've become used to in 2007. It's not a nice cycle let me assure you.

I've kind of lost my interest in sport after the news. What with the Black Caps losing their semi-final as well.

I've just got to hope that sometime in the next 10 years we can get somewhere close to our previous glory.

I am Leeds United and I'm proud of it. Marching on Together. We Will be back.