Amongst the sounds of Vuvuzelas, we have seen some sparkling displays in FIFA 2010. But there is no shortage of players who have disappointed us. Here is the team of players and a manager who did not perform their tasks upto the levels their name merits.
The team comprises of Robert Green (Goalkeeper), Fabio Cannavaro, Stepahne Mbia, Eric Abidal, Gianluca Zambrotta (Defenders), Steven Pienaar, Claudio Marchisio, Frank Ribery (Midefielders), Yakubu, Fernando Torres and Wayne Rooney (Forwards). The Manager of the team is Raymond Domenech. Here is the link to the slide show of this article.
Argentina secured a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Gabriel Heinze first half header against probably their toughest Group B opponents Nigeria, although South Korea will give them reasons to disagree with this after their 2-0 victory over Greece earlier in the day.
One goal victory and clean sheet. Convincing? Is the Argentinean fan happy? Convincing- No and the fans need to see more from Albiceleste to ascertain their thoughts that the side coached by Maradona can repeat the triumph of the side captained by Maradona. El Diego himself was very animated on the touchline. At times it seemed he was itching to get on the pitch himself and show how it is to be done.
Argentina was definitely the better side but 1-0 is always a risky scoreline to keep and they could have been punished by the Nigerians. Argentina is no Italy defensively. Messi and co have to polish up their finishing skills if they are determined to progress to the late stages of the tournament as they cannot bank on their defence to keep a clean sheet. Overall the team looked threatening in attack with the capability of handing out a goal drubbing to opponents.
The midfield lacked steel and engine. Juan Seba Veron is an old horse now, he had a mediocre outing. Argentina needs a better anchorman in centre. Nigeria was finding lot of space in the middle of the park. Team was playing in two tiers: four-five players in attack and four-five players at the back with no real coherence through the midfield. When the forward line was targeting the goal, the defenders were relaxing at the back and when the defence was to trying to rebel the attack, the forwards were happy to stay up afloat. There was no real usher for fluid movement of ball from defence to attack. After this performance exclusion of Esteban Cambiasso from the squad again comes to mind and raises questions about selection.
The defence line is short of pace and would have come more under the spotlight had the opponents capitalised on their opportunities. They need to sharpen up as a stronger unit can cut them to pieces. Maradona doesn’t have to show off his star-studded attacking options, he has to pick an eleven capable of completing the task. So some compromises have to be made regarding the starting line-up.
Nevertheless, an opening victory augurs well for the tournament. May the rub of the green be with them.
The greatest month long sporting extravaganza- FIFA World Cup is just three days away. I am no fortune teller or working for a multi-national financial firm but I employ my football cognition to predict the outcome of the World Cup and the path to such an end. Naturally injuries and suspensions will come into play and it is never possible to predict the twists and turns of a tournament of this stature. Nevertheless here is what I foresee happening in the matches and the progress of the tournament. Group A
RSA 1-1 Mexico
Uruguay 1-1 France
Uruguay 1-0 RSA
France 2-0 Mexico
Mexico 1-1 Uruguay
France 2-1 RSA
Points : France 7, Uruguay 5, Mexico 2, RSA 1
Group B
Argentina 3-1 Nigeria
Korea Republic 2-2 Greece
Argentina 2-1 Korea Republic
Greece 0-1 Nigeria
Nigeria 2-1 Korea Republic
Greece 1-1 Argentina
Points : Argentina 7, Nigeria 6, Greece 2, Korea Republic 1
Group C
England 1-0 USA
Algeria 0-0 Slovenia
Slovenia 0-2 USA
England 2-0 Algeria
Slovenia 0-2 England
USA 2-1 Algeria
Points : England 9, USA 6, Algeria 1, Slovenia 1
Group D
Germany 1-1 Australia
Serbia 0-0 Ghana
Germany 1-0 Serbia
Ghana 2-2 Australia
Ghana 0-1 Germany
Australia 0-0 Serbia
Points : Germany 7, Australia 3, Ghana 2, Serbia 2
Group-E
Netherlands 3-1 Denmark
Japan 1-2 Cameroon
Netherlands 2-0 Japan
Cameroon 2-0 Denmark
Denmark 1-2 Japan
Cameroon 1-1 Netherlands
Points : Netherlands 7, Cameroon 7, Japan 3, Denmark 0
Group-F
Italy 0-0 Paraguay
New Zealand 0-1 Slovakia
Italy 3-0 New Zealand
Slovakia 1-1 Paraguay
Slovakia 0-1 Italy
Paraguay 2-0 New Zealand
Points: Italy 7, Paraguay 5, Slovakia 5, New Zealand 0
The end of season is fast approaching and the rumour mill is working at high tempo. It is the World Cup year so there will be lots of players who will be making giant marketing leaps in showcasing their football assets to potential buyers. There are too many names going around in media involving Manchester United to be discussed in short space. Here are my thoughts on summer transfers.
The best goalkeeper of the noughties or perhaps ever, Gianluigi Buffon could be leaving Juventus this summer and landing up in the premiership with Manchester City being touted to be the stiffest competitor for his signature. Although Gigi is in the twilight of his career and hasn’t had the best of his seasons but there are many examples in history of world-class goalkeepers having a dip in form inmid thirties and then raising back their game and thriving till forty or so. If United are successful in getting his services will Edwin van der Sar be relegated to the bench? The Dutch man has been in superlative form and has looked as good as ever. Will it be déjà vu for him with Buffon taking over his spot like he did at Bianconeri? Also keep your ears open to rumours involving Igor Akinfeev, Manuel Neuer and Hugo Lloris.
Chris Smalling will be joining in summer to reinforce our central defence which has received criticism this season. This looks a great signing and it would be exciting to watch him as he has been billed as a future England star. I think Nemanja Vidić will still be a United player next season and Rio Ferdinand is not a spent force. These two, fully fit are as good a defensive pair as one can find anywhere. Jonny Evans will definitely get better but jury is still out on him becoming a world class defender. Our right back position is the most debatable on the team sheet. John O’Shea has filled in the spot most valiantly and a feeling of security comes on seeing his name on the team sheet. Can Wes Brown and Rafael deliver quality performances consistently? They have been stranded for the lack of pace and lack of maturity respectively at times this season. As for Gary Neville, he is the leader but I am defeated to say that it is time for him to pull curtains on a glorious career. Ferguson could be tempted to plunge in the market for this position. Patrice Evra is easily amongst the best left-backs in the world right now. We don’t have to worry about this position. Sir Alex might bother slightly about a cover for him- Fabio, O’Shea et al. I do not believe in rumours linking Vidić moving away so I have no reason to believe in arrival of Giorgio Chiellini.
Luka Modrić is one player I have been dreaming to see in a Red jersey since Euro 2008. The Croatian for me is the perfect player to be Paul Scholes’ long term replacement. I know its wishful thinking and least expect a deal to be made for him. Now looking at Ryan Giggs’ long term replacement we have a candidate already at our club- Nani. He is looking sharper than ever, making wiser decisions on the pitch and putting in some match winning contributions. But will he improve enough and not flatter to deceive is the question. David Silva is being tipped by many to make a switch from Mestalla to Old Trafford and become Ferguson’s eventual replacement of Giggs. It will surely be a big money move as the 24 year old is being chased by many other clubs but any investment in him is bound to reap dividends as he possesses all the qualities to be a hit as a Red Devil. He is versatile, creative, has experience at the highest level and who knows might as well be a World Cup winner this summer. He should be Fergie’s prime target. Media reports claim that Ferguson is keenly tracking the progress of 18 year old Evertonian Jack Rodwell. We all know how the last signing of an Everton whizkid has turned out. Everton is mustering efforts to stave off interested parties by tying the youngster in a long term deal. The gaffer wouldn’t want to lose out on this prodigy especially considering he is English and FIFA/UEFA are trying to push for a rule on national players. Rumours are abuzz that Joe Cole will not be plying his trade at Stamford Bridge next season as part of a clearout. He is available for free in summer and it will be a great coup by Ferguson if he manages to lure him to Manchester. Benfica winger Angel di Maria is said by many to be the next big thing in world football. The player himself has not been silent over his love for Manchester United. But don’t anticipate a transfer this summer as he has agreed to a contract extension with a big release clause. Deep down in my heart I believe Owen Hargreaves will be back with renewed vigour next season. He has had an awful time and deserves a romantic comeback.
Upfront is the real predicament. Enough has been said about Dimitar Berbatov’s lackadaisical approach to the game. Although the Bulgarian has had some stylish performances over the season but they all seem a flash in the pan. I cannot make up my mind if he will keep his number 9 jersey next season or not. Our number 7- Michael Owen has not had the season to the best of his liking but he shall be bigger and better come next season. Who knows he could dawn the three lions jersey in Poland-Ukraine. David Villa seems to be the hottest transfer property this summer. Undoubtedly one of the best in the business today, he commands a huge price tag. But I am more concerned about his compatibility with Wayne Rooney. Is there room for two similarly styled deadly assassins? Do not expect much fruit from this transfer news. Karim Benzema was one of the players which Sir Alex had failed to sign last summer. Ferguson is a keen admirer of Benzema who could be sold by Real Madrid after a lacklustre season and who as reports claim are plotting to bring in bigger names. This could be Ferguson’s lucky second chance.
