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World Cup Day 1

June 11th 2010 10:30
The long four year wait is now over and the World Cup can finally begin! And what a month we have in store.

Today, as well, throws up some interesting matches, and maybe a surprise is on its way.

South Africa may be the hosts but they are a very poor side, Mexico are a technically efficient team and have some quality players in their ranks. The friendly defeat against England showed that.

However, their defence looked poor, especially in set-pieces, so this is an area for South Africa should look to exploit. I think Mexico could be one of the surprise outfits this year, though, and I expect them to win by the odd goal.


Then after, France take on Uruguay in what could be a telling evening for Raymond Domenech.

France struggled to qualify and their performances and results in friendlies since have been fairly poor. The loss to China at home last week is as bad as it gets.

There is still quality within the French, mainly in Frank Ribery, but they look a disjointed outfit.

With Suarez and Forlan spearheading Uruguay’s attack, don’t be surprised if the French fail to win their opening fixture.

Predictions:
South Africa 0 Mexico 1
France 1 Uruguay 1
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Give the World Cup to Europe

June 8th 2010 13:16
With the trouble at the weekend involving Nigeria and North Korea at the Makhulong Stadium, South Africa, it just reinforces the notion that the World Cup should not have been allowed to be held in a country who have serious issues still affecting it today.

In fact, the decision to rotate the tournament across the World every four year is, in my opinion, down to greed and slightly naïve,

For such a massive event - which is viewed by billions around the world - FIFA should change the rules so it comes to Europe more often than not.

Before I mention my reasons, I’m not saying other continents should not be allowed to chance to host the prestigious event; they should, but only if the meet all the criteria. This is something South Africa has clearly failed upon.


Europe is the home of football. End off. It is where all the money is generated, mainly through sponsorship and TV, and it is also where the most passion for the sport is. Quite simply, Europeans are crazy for a dose of footy.

Yes, Brazil, Argentina and others share similar passions, but the amount of nations in Europe outweighs them greatly.

The World Cup Trophy
The World Cup Trophy


TV companies, rightly or wrongly, dictate football these days. The majority of cash comes from Europe and it should be they, if they are paying the kind of money they are prone to do, who decide roughly where the football is showpieced.

When the World Cup was held in Japan and South Korea, we had to put up with kick off times being at 7.00am. Quite ridiculous considering most people are just getting up from their beds to go to a long, hard day of work.

Geographically and structurally it all makes sense. The size of the countries in Europe is small enough to make it easy for fans to travel with ease. A World Cup held in Russia or the U.S is not ideal for those needing to go from city to city to watch their heroes play.

The nations already have the infrastructure in place to host the competition; not just with the stadiums, but the roads, policing and accommodation.

The decision to choose South Africa was a gamble, and a one that doesn’t look like paying off. Brazil, in four years time, looks like it will encounter the same problems as this year.

Give Europe a better share of hosting the World Cup. We will enjoy it far more.
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World Cup subplots

May 25th 2010 15:09
The World Cup in nearly here, and i would just like to make you all aware of a special blog myself and a friend have been doing for the past two months.

It has many news pieces and feature article, as well as a run down on each team in the competition.

Recently, i have written a piece on World Cup subplots. Basically, things that are going to happen ouside of looking for a winner.

Visit the article and blog here

Whilst i am discussing the World Cup, i was intrigued to watch England take on Mexico at Wembley yesterday.

England, in truth, were poor despite the 3-1 win. Mexico were far better on the ball and the passing around the midfield was way above anything the English could muster.

Mexcio's defence and, in particular, their defending of set-pieces was very poor, and this culminated in England's first two goals.

Still, it was only a second string outfit for Fabio Capello's men, but it told the Italian coach he can't really rely on these men in the latter stages of the tournament.

England need their best players fit and firing for all four weeks if they are to have any chance this year.
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Messi: A Gift from God

May 20th 2010 18:31
Cristiano Ronaldo is an exceptional footballer. Lionel Messi is a gift from the footballing gods.

A perfect way to compare Earth's two greatest artists with a spherical object


[ Click here to read more ]
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Premiership lags behind Spain

May 19th 2010 11:30
Cesc Fabregas
Another one wanting to leave England.

So Cesc Fabregas wants to leave Arsenal and return to his native Barcelona?

[ Click here to read more ]
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Diego Forlan
Forlan inspired Atletico to glory.


Atletico Madrid won the inaugural Europa League against Fulham after dramatic, if not inspiring, extra-time victory


[ Click here to read more ]
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2010: The year of Spain?

May 12th 2010 19:11
The question is not whether Spain can win the World Cup, but, rather, will they win it?

It is a side who have never picked up the famous trophy and, until their European triumph two years ago, were regarded as the world’s underachievers. England may now take up this unfortunate tag


[ Click here to read more ]
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Chelsea - Champions

May 10th 2010 18:59
Chelsea wrapped up their third Premiership title in style when they defeated a hapless Wigan 8-0.

In truth, the score didn’t surprise anyone, especially as Wigan were down to 10 men for most of the match when Gary Caldwell was sent-off


[ Click here to read more ]
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Spurs Go Marchin On

May 6th 2010 20:36
Tottenham Hotspur will be England’s fourth representative in the Champions League next season, if they can navigate through the qualifiers.

It is always nice to see another team do well and enjoy a degree of success, although this is mainly down to the failures of Liverpool than anything Spurs have actually done


[ Click here to read more ]
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Top 10 Bosmans for 2010

May 5th 2010 13:41
Ever since Bosman came into force in 1995, clubs and players alike have sought to take advantage of the ruling.

The opportunity to steal one of Europe’s finest from your biggest rival for absolutely nothing has given a whole new meaning to the transfer system


[ Click here to read more ]
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Celtic v Rangers Preview

May 4th 2010 14:08
Rangers will travel to Celtic Park tonight for the final Old Firm game of the season, and they go into the clash with most of the pressure of them.

Since wrapping up the league title little over a week ago, Rangers have been able to relax and enjoy their football again, which was shown by a very good display away to Dundee United on Saturday


[ Click here to read more ]
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Villa to sign for Barcelona

April 30th 2010 18:15
Barcelona have reportedly signed Valencia striker David Villa, according to reports in Spain.

Villa, who is arguably the best forward in the world, will move to Catalunya for reportedly 40 million Euros, while Bojan and Alexander Hleb could head the other way


[ Click here to read more ]
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Europa League Semi Final comment

April 29th 2010 16:10
The Europa League semi-final second legs will be played out tonight, and both matches are finely balanced.

Liverpool will try and overcome a 1-0 deficit at home to Atletico Madrid, but despite being used to Champions League success in recent years, the Anfield club will be desperate to save their season with some European glory


[ Click here to read more ]
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Inter's anti-football tactics

April 29th 2010 12:34
The Champions League semi-final clash between Barcelona and Inter Milan certainly didn’t live up to its hype, but, instead, showed football in a bad light.

Yet again Inter Milan were allowed to dive, cheat and time waste their way to a victory by a weak and poor referee


[ Click here to read more ]
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