Apologies for the lateness of this blog post. I am aware that the World Cup finished on July 11, but I will discuss all major events of the World Cup and give my personal opinion of them. I will start with the disgrace known as England.
England, how on earth did they progress through the group stage? An absolutely awful World Cup campaign, one that was very disappointing for a nation with such astronomical expectations. England fans, such as myself, must face facts. We have not won the World Cup since 1966, and we do not look like winning it any time soon. I predicted in the last blog post that England would be sent home before expected, and I was right. Everyone thought that this was England's year, but it wasn't. The Germans made a mockery of us, and laughed in our faces. Still, we have the war, both of them. And a World Cup final.
Although England's problems where many, they were nothing compared to the French. France were appalling. Some clear problems. Players refusing to train, stars being sent home, a manager who did not care, conspiracy theories flying all around. For me, France were the worst team at the World Cup. By a long way. Not becuase of points, although that is a factor, but because of pride. Noone in a French shirt looked or played like they wanted to represent their country. An embarrassing display from the French.
Italy had a poor World Cup as well. Finishing bottom of their group, the World Cup 2006 winners were clearly very disappointed. They seemed to find it impossible to win a game. Having drew their first two games, all their hopes were pinned on the final group match, against Slovakia. Slovakia played like champions against Italy, and Italy were defeated 3-2 and sent crashing out of the World Cup.
Although Argentina won all their group stage games, they still had one of the shocks of the World Cup. Many people tipped them as favourites to conquer the World and become champions. But this was not to be. Argentina were not just beaten in the quarter finals, they were destroyed. Diego Maradona's men were beaten 4-0 by, guess who? Germany. The Germans had scored 8 goals in their first two knockout games, against two of the favourites at the start of the tournament. Did Germany win the World Cup? No they did not. They were beaten by the winners, SPAIN
Spain emerged victorious in the South Africa World Cup 2010. The european champions are champions of the World. Despite Holland's dispicable and dirty tactics in the Final, Spain fought through and beat the Dutch. Holland's tactic was to kick the Spanish players rather than the ball. A vile tactic. Spain deserved winners, their football was a marvel to watch.
Thank you for reading, and I leave you with a couple of World Cup facts. The only unbeaten team in the World Cup was not Spain, Brazil, Portugal, Italy, France or any big teams. It was New Zealand. And North Korea conceded the most goals in the Group stage, 11. Because of this, at this exact time, the North Korean goalkeepers and defence have been killed in their beds.
Me, at the laptop
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Saturday, 12 June 2010
England 1 USA 1
For every England game in the 2010 World Cup, I will be giving my personal opinion on performance, result, chances of victory in the World Cup, and anything else.
So, England 1-1 USA. A terrible start to the World Cup campaign. Although USA are also favourites to go through with England, 3 points seemed inevitable. It was inconceivable to all English fans that England would not win. The fact that we drew was terrible. England had too many "schoolboy" errors.
The game started very well, with England taking the lead just 4 minutes in. A delightful move from England, involving one touch football and a very tidy finish from the skipper, Steven Gerrard. Annihilation seemed to be on the cards.
Then, in the 40th minute, a massive shock. Clint Dempsey's shot was very optimistic, too optimistc and Robert Green had it covered. Or did he? Just as Green went to get the ball, it cannoned off his glove and bobbled into the net. A disgraceful error at International level.
The second half's best chance fell to Emile Heskey. He had all the space and time in the world, and he drove the shot right at the goalkeeper. A very poor attempt. The last sentence summed up England's game very well, a very poor attempt.
Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Frank Lampard and Aaron Lennon were easily England's finest against the USA. Gerrard proved a worthy captain, and rallied his troops in the best possible way, a goal. Unfortunately, many of the England men did not respond to Gerrard's fine finish.
Emile Heskey, in my own personal opinion, does not deserve a place at the World Cup. He did a couple of things right, but overall was poor I thought. I prefer most other English strikers. Defoe, Crouch, Rooney, Bent, Zamora all worthy of World Cup places. Heskey is not.
Robert Green, one word springs to mind, why? I have no doubt about his ability, but his confidence and experience are terrible. David James should be England number 1. His jersey says he is, Capello said that James was number 1, yet he puts Green in goal and costs us 2 points! I don't get it.
England do not look like a team that can win the World Cup. The quality is there. The team confidence and chemistry is not. I fear more World Cup heart ache on the horizon, and sooner than most people may think. I thoroughly hope that I am wrong. I truelly do. But I cannot see England winning the World Cup for many more years.
Still, I will support them every step of the way. Come On England!
So, England 1-1 USA. A terrible start to the World Cup campaign. Although USA are also favourites to go through with England, 3 points seemed inevitable. It was inconceivable to all English fans that England would not win. The fact that we drew was terrible. England had too many "schoolboy" errors.
The game started very well, with England taking the lead just 4 minutes in. A delightful move from England, involving one touch football and a very tidy finish from the skipper, Steven Gerrard. Annihilation seemed to be on the cards.
Then, in the 40th minute, a massive shock. Clint Dempsey's shot was very optimistic, too optimistc and Robert Green had it covered. Or did he? Just as Green went to get the ball, it cannoned off his glove and bobbled into the net. A disgraceful error at International level.
The second half's best chance fell to Emile Heskey. He had all the space and time in the world, and he drove the shot right at the goalkeeper. A very poor attempt. The last sentence summed up England's game very well, a very poor attempt.
Steven Gerrard, Glen Johnson, Frank Lampard and Aaron Lennon were easily England's finest against the USA. Gerrard proved a worthy captain, and rallied his troops in the best possible way, a goal. Unfortunately, many of the England men did not respond to Gerrard's fine finish.
Emile Heskey, in my own personal opinion, does not deserve a place at the World Cup. He did a couple of things right, but overall was poor I thought. I prefer most other English strikers. Defoe, Crouch, Rooney, Bent, Zamora all worthy of World Cup places. Heskey is not.
Robert Green, one word springs to mind, why? I have no doubt about his ability, but his confidence and experience are terrible. David James should be England number 1. His jersey says he is, Capello said that James was number 1, yet he puts Green in goal and costs us 2 points! I don't get it.
England do not look like a team that can win the World Cup. The quality is there. The team confidence and chemistry is not. I fear more World Cup heart ache on the horizon, and sooner than most people may think. I thoroughly hope that I am wrong. I truelly do. But I cannot see England winning the World Cup for many more years.
Still, I will support them every step of the way. Come On England!
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
England's World Cup hopes.
On June 1st 2010, the England world cup squad was announced. If you haven't seen the squad, here it is:
GK: Joe Hart, Robert Green and David James.
DF: Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King, Glen Johnson, John Terry, Matthew Upson and Stephen Warnock
MF: Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Micheal Carrick, Joe Cole, Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and James Milner
ST: Emile Heskey, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney
So, the biggest "surprise" drop from the 30 was Theo Walcott. For me, this was the right decision. Despite Theo scoring a hattrick in the qualifying round against Croatia in Zagreb, I am not surprised with this cut. I do not feel Walcott is a very good player. I know he is very quick, but his performances are not consistent. Shaun Wright-Phillips, Aaron Lennon, Joe Cole and James Milner are all better wingers in my opinion.
I am glad to see Jamie Carragher in the squad. I think he is a very reliable and tough defender. Capello will more than likely use him as a right back, and he is useful in that position. Also Ledley King is a great asset to have at the World Cup. He is a solid Centre Back.
Personally, I would have included Darren Bent. I feel this season was fantastic for him and I do not like Heskey. I know that Heskey is good at allowing other players to score, but I don't think he is World Cup quality.
My starting line up would be as follows:
GK: David James
RB: Glen Johnson
CB: John Terry
CB: Rio Ferdinand
LB: Ashley Cole
CDM: Gareth Barry
LM: Joe Cole
CM: Frank Lampard
RM: James Milner
CAM/CF: Steven Gerrard
ST: Wayne Rooney
I believe England CAN win the World Cup this year, but I don't think they will. England just do not win tournaments. It will be phenomenal if we manage to come home as World Cup champions, and it is possible. Unfortunately, it is also unlikely.
GK: Joe Hart, Robert Green and David James.
DF: Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Ledley King, Glen Johnson, John Terry, Matthew Upson and Stephen Warnock
MF: Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gareth Barry, Micheal Carrick, Joe Cole, Aaron Lennon, Shaun Wright-Phillips and James Milner
ST: Emile Heskey, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney
So, the biggest "surprise" drop from the 30 was Theo Walcott. For me, this was the right decision. Despite Theo scoring a hattrick in the qualifying round against Croatia in Zagreb, I am not surprised with this cut. I do not feel Walcott is a very good player. I know he is very quick, but his performances are not consistent. Shaun Wright-Phillips, Aaron Lennon, Joe Cole and James Milner are all better wingers in my opinion.
I am glad to see Jamie Carragher in the squad. I think he is a very reliable and tough defender. Capello will more than likely use him as a right back, and he is useful in that position. Also Ledley King is a great asset to have at the World Cup. He is a solid Centre Back.
Personally, I would have included Darren Bent. I feel this season was fantastic for him and I do not like Heskey. I know that Heskey is good at allowing other players to score, but I don't think he is World Cup quality.
My starting line up would be as follows:
GK: David James
RB: Glen Johnson
CB: John Terry
CB: Rio Ferdinand
LB: Ashley Cole
CDM: Gareth Barry
LM: Joe Cole
CM: Frank Lampard
RM: James Milner
CAM/CF: Steven Gerrard
ST: Wayne Rooney
I believe England CAN win the World Cup this year, but I don't think they will. England just do not win tournaments. It will be phenomenal if we manage to come home as World Cup champions, and it is possible. Unfortunately, it is also unlikely.
Sunday, 30 May 2010
Bad Parents
I would like to start this post by saying none of the following points made refer to either of my parents. I have great parents and I could not wish for better. However the points raised in this post do refer to some parents I know, they will NOT be named, as I have respect for their children.
Bad parents really frustrate me. It is one of very few subjects that causes me to hate someone. I hardly ever use the word hate, I believe it to be very strong. But bad parents deserve it. Comedian Russell Howard once said, and I quote, "Ban your fanny until you can look after what comes out of it." Now, I find my self agreeing 100% with Russell. Obesity is now very common in 2-14 year olds. Is this the fault of the child? Of course not. There is a word in the English language which could stop children eating too much junk food, a word that gives a negative response to any question asked. That word is No. The parents of an obese child are to blame. They can stop their child eating such rubbish. It is simple. And then to blame the government because of junk food adverts, ridiculous.
A child needs love, attention, and care. If a child is unloved, then that child will struggle in life. Most certainly. He or she will constantly be doing things to get attention in the attempt to gain love. I know children who have been abandoned by their own mother, and put through confusion for their whole life. The mother shall remain nameless but I hope she knows how despicable she is. She gave up her child, placed it in the care of the grandparents (which was definately best for the child as the child had love). Then at the age of eight, the mother decided that she wanted her child back, fell pregnant again, loves her newborn so much more than her other child, and is a foul and disgusting person who is always taking, never giving. She makes me feel sick. And, at eight years old, that child knows that her mother does not want her. It is vile.
Other horrific parents, do keep their child, and they do raise them. But they let their child know that they do not want her/him. That is wrong. So very wrong. Why are these people allowed children?
Some perfectly good people, that would make great parents, are unable to make a child. Why can't horrible parents give their child a better life? Why can't they make three people in this world happier? I'll tell you why, money. Children may cost a lot of money, but they bring a lot in as well. Benefits, child support, child maintenance, it all adds up.
This may only be a simple blog, but I feel I touch on subjects that mean a lot to me. And this particular subject is one that many of you can relate to. I beg of you to let your voices be heard about this. Do not allow bad parenting continue, let bad parents know who they are. I promised that I would not name the parents I refered to today, and I stick by that. However, if you do know who I am referring to, please let them know who they are. Thank you
Bad parents really frustrate me. It is one of very few subjects that causes me to hate someone. I hardly ever use the word hate, I believe it to be very strong. But bad parents deserve it. Comedian Russell Howard once said, and I quote, "Ban your fanny until you can look after what comes out of it." Now, I find my self agreeing 100% with Russell. Obesity is now very common in 2-14 year olds. Is this the fault of the child? Of course not. There is a word in the English language which could stop children eating too much junk food, a word that gives a negative response to any question asked. That word is No. The parents of an obese child are to blame. They can stop their child eating such rubbish. It is simple. And then to blame the government because of junk food adverts, ridiculous.
A child needs love, attention, and care. If a child is unloved, then that child will struggle in life. Most certainly. He or she will constantly be doing things to get attention in the attempt to gain love. I know children who have been abandoned by their own mother, and put through confusion for their whole life. The mother shall remain nameless but I hope she knows how despicable she is. She gave up her child, placed it in the care of the grandparents (which was definately best for the child as the child had love). Then at the age of eight, the mother decided that she wanted her child back, fell pregnant again, loves her newborn so much more than her other child, and is a foul and disgusting person who is always taking, never giving. She makes me feel sick. And, at eight years old, that child knows that her mother does not want her. It is vile.
Other horrific parents, do keep their child, and they do raise them. But they let their child know that they do not want her/him. That is wrong. So very wrong. Why are these people allowed children?
Some perfectly good people, that would make great parents, are unable to make a child. Why can't horrible parents give their child a better life? Why can't they make three people in this world happier? I'll tell you why, money. Children may cost a lot of money, but they bring a lot in as well. Benefits, child support, child maintenance, it all adds up.
This may only be a simple blog, but I feel I touch on subjects that mean a lot to me. And this particular subject is one that many of you can relate to. I beg of you to let your voices be heard about this. Do not allow bad parenting continue, let bad parents know who they are. I promised that I would not name the parents I refered to today, and I stick by that. However, if you do know who I am referring to, please let them know who they are. Thank you
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Avram Grant - And more things Pompey
Avram posted a letter to all Pompey fans today. It indicates his resignation, but passion for Portsmouth. I'm afraid that I am unable to copy and paste it for you, however if you wish to see it, please head to http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/ and click on the Avram Grant letter. It is an emotional letter that expresses his views of the club and most importantly the fans.
Portsmouth are not like most clubs, we are hated by most, we are always in the headlines for the wrong reasons and I question why? I understand about all of the disgrace about administration. But what of the fans? We are never mentioned in newspapers. Only some pundits recognise us and it is ridiculous. Football should not be about money. Football should not be about sponsorship deals and adverts. Football should be about pride, and passion. Fratton Fans have proved as much. A lot of the players at Portsmouth have and will be playing for the shirt, not for the money. Portsmouth are a great example of what all fans should be like.
Battered, bruised, broken and on our knees, Portsmouth FC is slowly sinking. But we will never surrender. We will continue to battle and frustrate those who oppose us. The fans will make our voices heard. Never has there been a more desperate situation at Pompey, and they need their fans, and we will be there!
Now that Avram Grant has resigned, I would like to officially put my name forward as the next Pompey boss, I'm cheap and I adore that club. Just a suggestion.
Play Up POMPEY!
Portsmouth are not like most clubs, we are hated by most, we are always in the headlines for the wrong reasons and I question why? I understand about all of the disgrace about administration. But what of the fans? We are never mentioned in newspapers. Only some pundits recognise us and it is ridiculous. Football should not be about money. Football should not be about sponsorship deals and adverts. Football should be about pride, and passion. Fratton Fans have proved as much. A lot of the players at Portsmouth have and will be playing for the shirt, not for the money. Portsmouth are a great example of what all fans should be like.
Battered, bruised, broken and on our knees, Portsmouth FC is slowly sinking. But we will never surrender. We will continue to battle and frustrate those who oppose us. The fans will make our voices heard. Never has there been a more desperate situation at Pompey, and they need their fans, and we will be there!
Now that Avram Grant has resigned, I would like to officially put my name forward as the next Pompey boss, I'm cheap and I adore that club. Just a suggestion.
Play Up POMPEY!
Monday, 17 May 2010
All things Pompey
I thought I'd start off my blog with what is most important to me, Portsmouth Football Club. A subject with many talking points, and plenty of problems. Administration, relegation, players leaving, not getting paid, the list goes on and on. But despite all this, they STILL show great spirit, heart, determination, and most importantly pride.
David James, among others, was paying some Pompey staff with his own money. Now, that to me proves that there are still some players left in this football world that play for the thrill of football, not just the money. He has offered to take huge wage cuts, and is always helping in any way he can at the club. And still manages to be the best English goalkeeper. I despise players who play for just the money. Jamie O'hara really wanted Portsmouth to beat his parent club Tottenham for two reasons. 1. He wanted a day out at Wembley. 2. He is a very loyal player. Wherever he is, he wants that team to be successful and he plays for the shirt. I would like to say at this point that I wish him the very best at whatever club he goes to and I hope he has a very successful career, as with any current Portsmouth player.
Now to my favourite person at the club for a long time, Mr Avram Grant. A manager with great passion, pride and knowhow for the game. A lot of managers would have left Portsmouth months ago. With players being sold behind his back, wages not being paid, constant confusion and players not knowing whether they would be paid again, almost every other manager would have left. But not Avram. He stuck with the club, and made a huge achievement possible. With all the offield problems, and onfield, he managed to steer Pompey into the 2010 FA Cup final. He has shown great passion at Fratton Park, he has proved a worthy manager, and I really hope he stays. However, if he does not, I will always look out for his result, and hope he is successful. He has won the hearts of all at Fratton, and he will always be Uncle Avram.
The FA Cup. What a season. Although we did not beat Chelsea in the final, it was unbelievable. The fans proved why they are the best in the world. Uncle Avram proved how much this club means to him. The players proved that they are not a bunch of unpaid misfits, but top class footballers. But most of all, Portsmouth Football Club proved that they have spirit and pride. With all the money Chelsea have spent, and all the wage bills they have, and with the lack of money Pompey have, Chelsea should have destroyed us. But the fact is they didn't.
Peter Storrie, Harry Redknapp, Sacha Gaydamak, Al Fahim. All villains in the Portsmouth story. All people who have stolen from this club and used it for their personal gain. Stolen Pompey fans trust and thrown it away. Peter Storrie, constantly lying and taking money. Also telling managers that they are allowed to spend money that the club didn't have. Harry Redknapp, not as bad as the others despite what some people say, but overspent and stole from the club. The two foreign owners, lying to the Portsmouth fans, and making promises that could never be fulfilled. Portsmouth shot themselves in the foot, but the gun was definately guided by these "men". A disgrace to football.
I just have one last thing to say about Portsmouth. Wherever they are, whatever division, whatever financial state, and whoever is at the club, I will follow them. I am proud to call myself a Pompey fan and I always will be. Play Up Pompey
David James, among others, was paying some Pompey staff with his own money. Now, that to me proves that there are still some players left in this football world that play for the thrill of football, not just the money. He has offered to take huge wage cuts, and is always helping in any way he can at the club. And still manages to be the best English goalkeeper. I despise players who play for just the money. Jamie O'hara really wanted Portsmouth to beat his parent club Tottenham for two reasons. 1. He wanted a day out at Wembley. 2. He is a very loyal player. Wherever he is, he wants that team to be successful and he plays for the shirt. I would like to say at this point that I wish him the very best at whatever club he goes to and I hope he has a very successful career, as with any current Portsmouth player.
Now to my favourite person at the club for a long time, Mr Avram Grant. A manager with great passion, pride and knowhow for the game. A lot of managers would have left Portsmouth months ago. With players being sold behind his back, wages not being paid, constant confusion and players not knowing whether they would be paid again, almost every other manager would have left. But not Avram. He stuck with the club, and made a huge achievement possible. With all the offield problems, and onfield, he managed to steer Pompey into the 2010 FA Cup final. He has shown great passion at Fratton Park, he has proved a worthy manager, and I really hope he stays. However, if he does not, I will always look out for his result, and hope he is successful. He has won the hearts of all at Fratton, and he will always be Uncle Avram.
The FA Cup. What a season. Although we did not beat Chelsea in the final, it was unbelievable. The fans proved why they are the best in the world. Uncle Avram proved how much this club means to him. The players proved that they are not a bunch of unpaid misfits, but top class footballers. But most of all, Portsmouth Football Club proved that they have spirit and pride. With all the money Chelsea have spent, and all the wage bills they have, and with the lack of money Pompey have, Chelsea should have destroyed us. But the fact is they didn't.
Peter Storrie, Harry Redknapp, Sacha Gaydamak, Al Fahim. All villains in the Portsmouth story. All people who have stolen from this club and used it for their personal gain. Stolen Pompey fans trust and thrown it away. Peter Storrie, constantly lying and taking money. Also telling managers that they are allowed to spend money that the club didn't have. Harry Redknapp, not as bad as the others despite what some people say, but overspent and stole from the club. The two foreign owners, lying to the Portsmouth fans, and making promises that could never be fulfilled. Portsmouth shot themselves in the foot, but the gun was definately guided by these "men". A disgrace to football.
I just have one last thing to say about Portsmouth. Wherever they are, whatever division, whatever financial state, and whoever is at the club, I will follow them. I am proud to call myself a Pompey fan and I always will be. Play Up Pompey
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)