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Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label football. Show all posts
19.2.08
25.4.07
World Cup Winner Dies
Alan Ball, the youngest member of England's 1966 World Cup squad - our one and only World Cup victory - died today aged 61.
Ball, who won man of the match in the '66 final, suffered a heart attack outside his home after tackling a bonfire that had gone out of control.
He's now the second member of England's greatest ever squad to die, after Bobby Moore died in 1993.
England players will be wearing black armbands as a mark of respect in their first game at the new Wembley Stadium against Brazil on June 1st.
Ball, who won man of the match in the '66 final, suffered a heart attack outside his home after tackling a bonfire that had gone out of control.
He's now the second member of England's greatest ever squad to die, after Bobby Moore died in 1993.
England players will be wearing black armbands as a mark of respect in their first game at the new Wembley Stadium against Brazil on June 1st.
11.10.06
England 0-2 Croatia
England against Croatia in a Euro 2008 qualifier.
One goal for each team.
Shame they were both in the same net.
Football. We invented it, and now we'll show the world how to suck at it.
One goal for each team.
Shame they were both in the same net.
Football. We invented it, and now we'll show the world how to suck at it.
27.8.06
Catholic Church Gets It Wrong Again
Auntie Beeb carries a story about Artur Boroc, goalie for Celtic, who was cautioned for "offensive behaviour" during a match on the 12th February against Rangers. Boroc made several gestures to the crowd during the match which the Crown Office deemed to have "provoked alarm and crowd trouble and as such constituted a breach of the peace", and said it had taken action "based upon an assessment of behaviour, not one single act, which appeared to be directed at the crowd which was being incited by the behaviour and which caused the police to intervene and calm the crowd".
One of the gestures in question was Boroc crossing himself, the old Catholic "spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch" routine, which was viewed, along with the other gestures he was making, to be an insult and provocation towards Rangers' largely Protestant fans.
Of course, the Catholic Church went into overdrive and immediately put their foot in their mouth. Apparently, they're having a hissy fit because Boroc was cautioned for using "a gesture" (it was more than one) that is "simply religious in nature" (no, it's more than that, it's specifically Catholic in nature) and that Scotland had made this gesture "an offence" (no, it was the entire performance that was the offence, not just the Catholic gesture).
I guess it's to be expected - martyr complex and all that - but it just seems annoying that they've come out all indignant about their religion - the biggest, richest, most widespread and most powerful religion in the history of the world - being persecuted, especially when the persecution is 100% imaginary.
Still, as I said, it's to be expected, but it doesn't make it any less eyerolling for that.
One of the gestures in question was Boroc crossing himself, the old Catholic "spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch" routine, which was viewed, along with the other gestures he was making, to be an insult and provocation towards Rangers' largely Protestant fans.
Of course, the Catholic Church went into overdrive and immediately put their foot in their mouth. Apparently, they're having a hissy fit because Boroc was cautioned for using "a gesture" (it was more than one) that is "simply religious in nature" (no, it's more than that, it's specifically Catholic in nature) and that Scotland had made this gesture "an offence" (no, it was the entire performance that was the offence, not just the Catholic gesture).
I guess it's to be expected - martyr complex and all that - but it just seems annoying that they've come out all indignant about their religion - the biggest, richest, most widespread and most powerful religion in the history of the world - being persecuted, especially when the persecution is 100% imaginary.
Still, as I said, it's to be expected, but it doesn't make it any less eyerolling for that.
13.7.06
BBC: I'm sorry but no regrets - Zidane
Zidane has apologised for the headbutt incident that resulted in his red card against Italy in the World Cup final but says he doesn't regret what happened.
And I, for one, am on his side, despite calling him an "arsehole" before.
Zidane says he can't say he regrets doing it because that would mean that Marco Materazzi - the player butted - was right to say what he said.
But what did he say?
Sources using Italian speaking lip-readers are split. Some say that Materazzi called Zidane - son of Algerian immigrants - "the son of a terrorist whore". Others claim Materazzi wished "an ugly death" to Zidane and his family and then said "go fuck yourself".
Materazzi, for his part, claims he said neither, but does admit he threw an insult.
I don't much like Zidane. He's arrogant - though extremely skilled. But I do agree with him on this. Whatever the provocation, it must have been massive to provoke a seasoned veteran of the game into that kind of rash action in so important a match.
And I, for one, am on his side, despite calling him an "arsehole" before.
Zidane says he can't say he regrets doing it because that would mean that Marco Materazzi - the player butted - was right to say what he said.
But what did he say?
Sources using Italian speaking lip-readers are split. Some say that Materazzi called Zidane - son of Algerian immigrants - "the son of a terrorist whore". Others claim Materazzi wished "an ugly death" to Zidane and his family and then said "go fuck yourself".
Materazzi, for his part, claims he said neither, but does admit he threw an insult.
I don't much like Zidane. He's arrogant - though extremely skilled. But I do agree with him on this. Whatever the provocation, it must have been massive to provoke a seasoned veteran of the game into that kind of rash action in so important a match.
9.7.06
Germany 2006 Day 25
It seemed only apprpriate that this World Cup final went to a penalty shootout.
I didn't care much about who won - except for a slight sneaking lean towards Italy after that arsehole Zidane was sent off - but I was pleased with the result. Hard-fought, evenly matched, everything that a World Cup final should be.
Italy won, their fourth cup, another star for the shirt.
I'm typing this whilst watching the presentations. France are currently being given their second-place medals, which has to be the most bitter-sweet moment, ever. I'd bet that there's not one French player who is taking any solace in getting second, being in the final. I'll bet that all of them are looking at the trophy they didn't win, and thinking about what might have been.
Congratulations to Italy and commiserations to France.
More amusement from American pronunciation was engendered by the was "Zidane" sounds in the mouth of the commentators. It's eerily close to "Saddam" which is, some might know, the way that both the American media and politicians refer to deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. So, apparently, Saddam had been granted parole from his trial in order to play for the French team, serve as captain, and, indeed, get sent off for that head-butt.
And FIFA screwed up again with the presentation. After all these years, you'd think they'd understand that the winners of the Jules Rimet trophy want to climb on something to lift it. In Japan/Korea 2002, the Brazilians were reduced to a rickety podium that almost spilled the captain and the trophy several times. Here, the Italian captain had to climb on to a table clearly not designed to hold his weight and he, too, almost took a header.
How about, next time, we have some sort of dedicated steps to climb to lift the trophy for the crowd, hmm?
And on to South Africa 2010.
But first: Euro 2008!
I didn't care much about who won - except for a slight sneaking lean towards Italy after that arsehole Zidane was sent off - but I was pleased with the result. Hard-fought, evenly matched, everything that a World Cup final should be.
Italy won, their fourth cup, another star for the shirt.
I'm typing this whilst watching the presentations. France are currently being given their second-place medals, which has to be the most bitter-sweet moment, ever. I'd bet that there's not one French player who is taking any solace in getting second, being in the final. I'll bet that all of them are looking at the trophy they didn't win, and thinking about what might have been.
Congratulations to Italy and commiserations to France.
More amusement from American pronunciation was engendered by the was "Zidane" sounds in the mouth of the commentators. It's eerily close to "Saddam" which is, some might know, the way that both the American media and politicians refer to deposed Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. So, apparently, Saddam had been granted parole from his trial in order to play for the French team, serve as captain, and, indeed, get sent off for that head-butt.
And FIFA screwed up again with the presentation. After all these years, you'd think they'd understand that the winners of the Jules Rimet trophy want to climb on something to lift it. In Japan/Korea 2002, the Brazilians were reduced to a rickety podium that almost spilled the captain and the trophy several times. Here, the Italian captain had to climb on to a table clearly not designed to hold his weight and he, too, almost took a header.
How about, next time, we have some sort of dedicated steps to climb to lift the trophy for the crowd, hmm?
And on to South Africa 2010.
But first: Euro 2008!
THAT flag - the plot thickens
Football365 has made an offer - all their Germany 2006 assorted crap to the person who is responsible for the minge flag. All they must do is send in a snap of themselves with the item in question.
But in a new development, a reader informs F365 that the Minge on the flag may well be the nickname of a friend who is, predictably, ginger*, because the flag also contains the nickname of a mutual friend, Johnny T.
Whilst you're on F365, don't miss their selection of tshirts, including the awesome "I'm English, therefore I drink, swear and queue" and the equally awesome "England: Powered by chips and beer".
*for Americans, and other people who do not understand British humour, including many Brits, the word "minge" is a slang term referring to the female sexual organs. However, a person who is ginger-haired and of the complexion that makes one think that the carpet matches the curtains, so to speak, may often be referred to as "ginge minge", whether male or female.
But in a new development, a reader informs F365 that the Minge on the flag may well be the nickname of a friend who is, predictably, ginger*, because the flag also contains the nickname of a mutual friend, Johnny T.
Whilst you're on F365, don't miss their selection of tshirts, including the awesome "I'm English, therefore I drink, swear and queue" and the equally awesome "England: Powered by chips and beer".
*for Americans, and other people who do not understand British humour, including many Brits, the word "minge" is a slang term referring to the female sexual organs. However, a person who is ginger-haired and of the complexion that makes one think that the carpet matches the curtains, so to speak, may often be referred to as "ginge minge", whether male or female.
Germany 2006 Day 24
Just one match left, and then all those World Cup Widows around the globe can get their significant others back for another four years.
Today saw Germany beat Portugal 3-1, which came as a surprise to absolutely nobody.
Tomorrow brings the final, and I've said all I'm going to say before the match.
Today saw Germany beat Portugal 3-1, which came as a surprise to absolutely nobody.
Tomorrow brings the final, and I've said all I'm going to say before the match.
7.7.06
THAT Flag
I've noticed people finding my blog by way of searching for "minge flag" on various engines. Yes, I saw the minge flag. I saw it during the game and even snapped a very bad picture of it. Now, because I've searched and cannot find any better picture of it, here it is. This is the moment in the England vs Portugal game where Neville goes to take a throw in, and there, in all its glory, is the item in question. Enjoy.
6.7.06
Germany 2006 Day 23
Well, with Portugal out, it's an Italy vs France final in Berlin.
What a World Cup this has been, a rollercoaster of emotions. We were delighted when Ghana made it out of their group. Thrilled that first-timers Ukraine got all the way to the quarter-finals. Stunned beyond words when Brazil tumbled out. Depressed by England falling - yet again - to penalties. Saddened by Germany's exit. And completely indifferent to the prospect of Italy facing France in the final.
I just .. don't care.
Any other potential matchup from the quarter-finals on up, and I'd have picked a team to get behind. Any other teams in the final and I'd have moved mountains to watch. Yeah, I'll still watch, it's still the World Cup final, but I'm actually more interested to see Portugal get a crack at the hosts on the 8th in the third-place match.
I guess there's some pride that 6 out of the final 8 were European, and all of the final four were, too, but Italy vs France is, for me, like trying to decide between fried or boiled eggs. I don't eggs, so the method of preparation is meaningless. I don't like Italy or France. Why should I care which one wins?
I guess the major problem is that neither side is the clear underdog, and I do so love to pull for the underdog. And, failing the underdog, I like to pull for the team which is less smarmy, less arrogant. But they're both smarmy. I see nothing to justify one over the other.
I guess I'm going to predict Italy.
And Germany over Portugal.
And a mildly entertaining, if anticlimactic, final.
BTW, check out England's big achievement for this World Cup: The only team to feature on the top ten tallest and shortest players.
We rock.
Edit: It's Portugal who are out. Poland too, but that's not news to anyone.
What a World Cup this has been, a rollercoaster of emotions. We were delighted when Ghana made it out of their group. Thrilled that first-timers Ukraine got all the way to the quarter-finals. Stunned beyond words when Brazil tumbled out. Depressed by England falling - yet again - to penalties. Saddened by Germany's exit. And completely indifferent to the prospect of Italy facing France in the final.
I just .. don't care.
Any other potential matchup from the quarter-finals on up, and I'd have picked a team to get behind. Any other teams in the final and I'd have moved mountains to watch. Yeah, I'll still watch, it's still the World Cup final, but I'm actually more interested to see Portugal get a crack at the hosts on the 8th in the third-place match.
I guess there's some pride that 6 out of the final 8 were European, and all of the final four were, too, but Italy vs France is, for me, like trying to decide between fried or boiled eggs. I don't eggs, so the method of preparation is meaningless. I don't like Italy or France. Why should I care which one wins?
I guess the major problem is that neither side is the clear underdog, and I do so love to pull for the underdog. And, failing the underdog, I like to pull for the team which is less smarmy, less arrogant. But they're both smarmy. I see nothing to justify one over the other.
I guess I'm going to predict Italy.
And Germany over Portugal.
And a mildly entertaining, if anticlimactic, final.
BTW, check out England's big achievement for this World Cup: The only team to feature on the top ten tallest and shortest players.
We rock.
Edit: It's Portugal who are out. Poland too, but that's not news to anyone.
5.7.06
Germany 2006 Day 22
Well, the hosts are out. Tense game, very tense indeed. It looked like it was all about to go Germany's way. Extra time was slipping away and it was still scoreless, so a penalty shootout was looming. Germany, it should be noted, haven't lost a penalty shootout since 1468 or something like that.
But it was not to be. Grosso hit one home (and German number 22, whatever your name is, you should have been on the line backing up the goalie, shouldn't you?). Germany went all out. They had scant minutes to hit an equaliser. Unfortunately, such a desperate rush leaves the goal lightly defended and, astoundingly, Del Piero made a fantastic run up the field and slotted one home with almost pinpoint accuracy.
The mighty Germans went down to the floor, completely stunned, beaten on their home turf in a game they should have really had in the bag.
Full kudos to both sides. A beautiful example of football at its finest. No red cards and only three yellows.
Some humour was engendered from the American commentator's pronunciation of Michael Ballack's surname. See, just like "mall" (in England - "maul", in USA - "maal"), this announcer was lengthening the "a" into something that sounded eerily like an "o". So this commentator kept announcing that Bollock had the ball. Quick pass by Bollock. Great shot by Bollock! Bollock on target that time!
Anyway, deserving win to Italy. Tomorrow brings Portugal vs France. And, loathe as I am to admit it, France has the edge. Portugal couldn't put the game away against a 10-man England squad. What chance have they against the team that slew the Brazilian dragon?
But it was not to be. Grosso hit one home (and German number 22, whatever your name is, you should have been on the line backing up the goalie, shouldn't you?). Germany went all out. They had scant minutes to hit an equaliser. Unfortunately, such a desperate rush leaves the goal lightly defended and, astoundingly, Del Piero made a fantastic run up the field and slotted one home with almost pinpoint accuracy.
The mighty Germans went down to the floor, completely stunned, beaten on their home turf in a game they should have really had in the bag.
Full kudos to both sides. A beautiful example of football at its finest. No red cards and only three yellows.
Some humour was engendered from the American commentator's pronunciation of Michael Ballack's surname. See, just like "mall" (in England - "maul", in USA - "maal"), this announcer was lengthening the "a" into something that sounded eerily like an "o". So this commentator kept announcing that Bollock had the ball. Quick pass by Bollock. Great shot by Bollock! Bollock on target that time!
Anyway, deserving win to Italy. Tomorrow brings Portugal vs France. And, loathe as I am to admit it, France has the edge. Portugal couldn't put the game away against a 10-man England squad. What chance have they against the team that slew the Brazilian dragon?
4.7.06
History repeating?
So, it appears that there's some trepidation concerning how the England fans will react to Rooney's red card which - it's believed the fans will think - cost us the game. Several team-mates have already come out in support of the Manchester United striker and outgoing manager Sven-Goran Eriksson faced the press and said "Pay attention, please", before stating "he is the golden boy of English football. Don't kill him, because you will need him."
Now, nobody thinks Rooney is facing death over this, but precedent suggests that he may die a million symbolic deaths over the next few months.
During England's ghastly exit from France '98 against Argentina, captain David Beckham was red carded for kicking an Argentinean player after a foul. His return home was less than welcomed. He was booed on his home field, burned and hanged in effigy, vilified by the press, and even received death threats.
Ultimately, though, this is a different story. Beckham was sent off for what most fans perceived as a pathetic breach of the rules. Rooney stomped on an opponent's genitals. Beckham went off whilst laying on the ground. Rooney was on his feet, fighting for the ball with all the skill and tenacity we expect from him.
Let's face it: Beckham's a big girl's blouse. Rooney's a striker on the England football team. Beckham's a pretty boy. Rooney would slot right into the '66 line-up and nobody would think him out of place.
And Rooney got sent off for doing exactly what he's paid to do.
No, I believe that the bulk of the reaction will be squarely behind Rooney.
Sure, some will bitch and moan. Some always do, and there's nothing you can do to stop it.
But most, like those that gathered to welcome our boys home, will not forgive because there is nothing to forgive.
Wayne Rooney is an England striker in the classic mold, tough, tenacious, hard-hitting and strong.
If only the media could stop stirring things for a few minutes...
Now, nobody thinks Rooney is facing death over this, but precedent suggests that he may die a million symbolic deaths over the next few months.
During England's ghastly exit from France '98 against Argentina, captain David Beckham was red carded for kicking an Argentinean player after a foul. His return home was less than welcomed. He was booed on his home field, burned and hanged in effigy, vilified by the press, and even received death threats.
Ultimately, though, this is a different story. Beckham was sent off for what most fans perceived as a pathetic breach of the rules. Rooney stomped on an opponent's genitals. Beckham went off whilst laying on the ground. Rooney was on his feet, fighting for the ball with all the skill and tenacity we expect from him.
Let's face it: Beckham's a big girl's blouse. Rooney's a striker on the England football team. Beckham's a pretty boy. Rooney would slot right into the '66 line-up and nobody would think him out of place.
And Rooney got sent off for doing exactly what he's paid to do.
No, I believe that the bulk of the reaction will be squarely behind Rooney.
Sure, some will bitch and moan. Some always do, and there's nothing you can do to stop it.
But most, like those that gathered to welcome our boys home, will not forgive because there is nothing to forgive.
Wayne Rooney is an England striker in the classic mold, tough, tenacious, hard-hitting and strong.
If only the media could stop stirring things for a few minutes...
Germany 2006 Semi Finals
Tomorrow brings the first of the semi-finals, Germany vs Italy. These two titans of the beautiful game will match up in Dortmund.
Will Germany's clinical style outmatch the Italians famed passion?
I think so. I'm predicting Germany in the final, here.
Will Germany's clinical style outmatch the Italians famed passion?
I think so. I'm predicting Germany in the final, here.
2.7.06
Germany 2006 Day 21(ii)
Well, Brazil are out. Which makes this morning's result all the harder to swallow. Had we gone through, it would have been up against France instead.
I've calmed down and I've realised two things:
First, that there are plenty of reasons to be happy with England's performance this World Cup:
Second, that all that doesn't matter. I'm still pissed.
Penalties. Why is it always bloody penalties? Euro '04 against Portugal. Euro 2000 against Germany. France '98 against Argentina. We suck at penalties.
Well, South Africa 2010 is a mere four years away. We'll have a new coach, probably a new captain. And we'll probably end up going out on a penalty shootout there, too.
2014 is provisionally scheduled to be held in Brazil.
I've calmed down and I've realised two things:
First, that there are plenty of reasons to be happy with England's performance this World Cup:
There are 208 teams eligible to compete in the FIFA World Cup. England ended up in the top 8. That's 200 teams who did worse.
England went out at the same stage as Brazil, current World Champions, the team that has won the World Cup more than anyone else, and the only team to have qualified for every World Cup since the first one.
England didn't score, but neither did Ronaldinho, the so-called "greatest player in the world".
Despite being a man down and with our captain out injured, England held Portugal, a team ranked 3 places higher in FIFA world ratings, to a goal-less regular and extra time.
The quarter-finals is our third best performance of all time, with only '90 (fourth place) and '66 (champions) better.
Not only that, but three times since we've been entering, we've failed to even qualify, so we did good.
Second, that all that doesn't matter. I'm still pissed.
Penalties. Why is it always bloody penalties? Euro '04 against Portugal. Euro 2000 against Germany. France '98 against Argentina. We suck at penalties.
Well, South Africa 2010 is a mere four years away. We'll have a new coach, probably a new captain. And we'll probably end up going out on a penalty shootout there, too.
2014 is provisionally scheduled to be held in Brazil.
1.7.06
Germany 2006 Day 21(i)
5 minutes in and no score, but I'm encouraged by a few hard shots and some reasonable playing, but discouraged by the fact that half of it is coming from Portugal.
It seems like every time England takes a shot, Portugal answers, and the fouls are coming thick and fast.
Robinson is shooting up in my estimation, twice now he's saved the scoreline. I'm more than a little surprised and pleased that England's showing some sparks in defence, unusual for us.
14th minute - If there ever was a time for England to show some razzle, this is it. We're pulling back and defending. Defending well, but simply defending nonetheless.
(And Ashley Cole's pink boots are freaking me out, Why are they pink?!)
16th minute - This is better, England. Pressure, attack, shots.
18th minute - And here comes Portugal right back atcha. Robinson had it covered, but that was some nice attacking.
20th minute - whoa.. I don't know how many more of these near misses I can take. Sooner of later one's got to go in.
28th minute - And Terry gets a yellow card?! WTF?! That was a 50/50 collision, why does Terry get the card?!
Terry has to sit out the next game - if we go through.
Halftime - Still scoreless, but it's looking like it may get all the more physical.
Note: I was at work whilst this game was playing, so we recorded it and now I'm watching it. What's annoying is that Mrs Doombreed knows the final score. I don't want to know, I want to watch the game, but she's giving me the smug "I know something you don't know" treatment.
On to the second half.
52nd minute - Bye bye Beckham. This is a terrible shame, no disrespect to Lennon. If this game remains scoreless and goes to penalties, Beckham's exit won't help us.
58th minute - Oh, I see, that was almost Argentinianesque playacting by Maniche. Wanker.
61st minute - Rooney gets a red card. FUCK! FUCK FUCK FUKKITY FUCK!
And Crouch is coming on.
Oh bollocks.
Stat alert - England are 9-0-1 when Crouch plays.
Oh, and if we win, Rooney's out for the game against Brazil or France.
Listening to the crowd around the 67th minute, you can tell that England's fans are in the majority. Every time a Portuguese player gets the ball, it's boos and jeers, and cheers for England's players.
Ronaldo is joining the Argentinian squad with his Oscar-worthy diving. Play the fucking game, people.
And now the Portuguese are bringing out a sub with pink boots. Nice.
Okay, I just spotted an England flag in the crowd with the word "MINGE" written on it in big letters. What's that all about?
Robinson and Ferdinand. Fuckin' A. These guys kept the Portuguese out. I get the impression that when he retires, Robinson is going to have his name spoken in the same breath as Banks, Clemence, Shilton and Seaman. [post-game edit: I still believe this, even with the penalty shootout result]
3 minutes of stoppage time and the attack's on. And on! We haven't seen England play like this the entire tournament.
Okay, regular time over. Now we're into extra time, and there's no Golden Goal here. It's 15 mins each way.
No matter how this goes, there's pride in fighting even when down. We're the underdogs, and we always were. And that's how we fight best. We're a man down and still Portugal couldn't score.
This is exactly what I mean about England not scoring first. The donkey's off the field and the lions are loose.
EN-GER-LAND EN-GER-LAND EN-GER-LAAAAAAND!!
YOU FUCKER!!! I do NOT believe this!
Because of the extra time, my DVR STOPPED RECORDING!
So now I have to go to the Germany 2006 website for the final score.
And wouldn't you know it. England go out on sudden death penalties AGAIN.
Maybe in a few days I'll be able to approach this game pragmatically, but for now, I'm just drained and pissed off.
I'm going to bed.
It seems like every time England takes a shot, Portugal answers, and the fouls are coming thick and fast.
Robinson is shooting up in my estimation, twice now he's saved the scoreline. I'm more than a little surprised and pleased that England's showing some sparks in defence, unusual for us.
14th minute - If there ever was a time for England to show some razzle, this is it. We're pulling back and defending. Defending well, but simply defending nonetheless.
(And Ashley Cole's pink boots are freaking me out, Why are they pink?!)
16th minute - This is better, England. Pressure, attack, shots.
18th minute - And here comes Portugal right back atcha. Robinson had it covered, but that was some nice attacking.
20th minute - whoa.. I don't know how many more of these near misses I can take. Sooner of later one's got to go in.
28th minute - And Terry gets a yellow card?! WTF?! That was a 50/50 collision, why does Terry get the card?!
Terry has to sit out the next game - if we go through.
Halftime - Still scoreless, but it's looking like it may get all the more physical.
Note: I was at work whilst this game was playing, so we recorded it and now I'm watching it. What's annoying is that Mrs Doombreed knows the final score. I don't want to know, I want to watch the game, but she's giving me the smug "I know something you don't know" treatment.
On to the second half.
52nd minute - Bye bye Beckham. This is a terrible shame, no disrespect to Lennon. If this game remains scoreless and goes to penalties, Beckham's exit won't help us.
58th minute - Oh, I see, that was almost Argentinianesque playacting by Maniche. Wanker.
61st minute - Rooney gets a red card. FUCK! FUCK FUCK FUKKITY FUCK!
And Crouch is coming on.
Oh bollocks.
Stat alert - England are 9-0-1 when Crouch plays.
Oh, and if we win, Rooney's out for the game against Brazil or France.
Listening to the crowd around the 67th minute, you can tell that England's fans are in the majority. Every time a Portuguese player gets the ball, it's boos and jeers, and cheers for England's players.
Ronaldo is joining the Argentinian squad with his Oscar-worthy diving. Play the fucking game, people.
And now the Portuguese are bringing out a sub with pink boots. Nice.
Okay, I just spotted an England flag in the crowd with the word "MINGE" written on it in big letters. What's that all about?
Robinson and Ferdinand. Fuckin' A. These guys kept the Portuguese out. I get the impression that when he retires, Robinson is going to have his name spoken in the same breath as Banks, Clemence, Shilton and Seaman. [post-game edit: I still believe this, even with the penalty shootout result]
3 minutes of stoppage time and the attack's on. And on! We haven't seen England play like this the entire tournament.
Okay, regular time over. Now we're into extra time, and there's no Golden Goal here. It's 15 mins each way.
No matter how this goes, there's pride in fighting even when down. We're the underdogs, and we always were. And that's how we fight best. We're a man down and still Portugal couldn't score.
This is exactly what I mean about England not scoring first. The donkey's off the field and the lions are loose.
EN-GER-LAND EN-GER-LAND EN-GER-LAAAAAAND!!
YOU FUCKER!!! I do NOT believe this!
Because of the extra time, my DVR STOPPED RECORDING!
So now I have to go to the Germany 2006 website for the final score.
And wouldn't you know it. England go out on sudden death penalties AGAIN.
Maybe in a few days I'll be able to approach this game pragmatically, but for now, I'm just drained and pissed off.
I'm going to bed.
Germany 2006 Day 20
So, Germany went through to the semi-finals, after a long, punishing game that went to extra time and then penalties.
I can't say I'm upset that Argentina's going home (yes, as someone who saw it live, I'm still annoyed about the "Hand Of God"), especially as it means Germany goes on. Somehow, a World Cup where the hosts go out too early just doesn't seem fun to me.
And Italy went through, at the expense of Ukraine, but nobody was surprised by that.
Two for two on yesterday's predictions.
England are up tomorrow.
Portugal, despite being minus two players, are more dangerous than they seem. Like the hosts, and unlike England, they've won every game of the tournament so far. Just because they're not Brazil or Germany, does not make for an easy match.
I'm biting the bullet and predicting England to win. Also Brazil, but you knew that.
France, however, could, in theory, produce the upset of the tournament and send the champions home.
Could.
Watch out. If the England - Portugal game goes to penalties, we're going home. We just have no luck with sudden-death penalty shootouts.
I can't say I'm upset that Argentina's going home (yes, as someone who saw it live, I'm still annoyed about the "Hand Of God"), especially as it means Germany goes on. Somehow, a World Cup where the hosts go out too early just doesn't seem fun to me.
And Italy went through, at the expense of Ukraine, but nobody was surprised by that.
Two for two on yesterday's predictions.
England are up tomorrow.
Portugal, despite being minus two players, are more dangerous than they seem. Like the hosts, and unlike England, they've won every game of the tournament so far. Just because they're not Brazil or Germany, does not make for an easy match.
I'm biting the bullet and predicting England to win. Also Brazil, but you knew that.
France, however, could, in theory, produce the upset of the tournament and send the champions home.
Could.
Watch out. If the England - Portugal game goes to penalties, we're going home. We just have no luck with sudden-death penalty shootouts.
30.6.06
Germany 2006 Quarter Finals
Predictions for tomorrow's two matches:
Germany vs Argentina:
I predict a hard match, that may well go into extra time, but with Germany on top in the end.
Italy vs Ukraine:
As much as I'd love to see the only remaining World Cup virgins go through to the semi finals, I've got to give this one to Italy.
And here's a little factoid from the Germany 2006 site:
The final eight contains six previous World Cup winners, which is more than have ever been before.
For the record: Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, and Italy.
This is going to be a tough slog to Berlin, and an even tougher match for the two that make it.
Germany vs Argentina:
I predict a hard match, that may well go into extra time, but with Germany on top in the end.
Italy vs Ukraine:
As much as I'd love to see the only remaining World Cup virgins go through to the semi finals, I've got to give this one to Italy.
And here's a little factoid from the Germany 2006 site:
The final eight contains six previous World Cup winners, which is more than have ever been before.
For the record: Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, and Italy.
This is going to be a tough slog to Berlin, and an even tougher match for the two that make it.
28.6.06
Germany 2006 Day 19
Well, Simon was right. France did, indeed, send Spain out of the World Cup. I started watching when it was 1-1, and it looked like it was going to extra time. But then suddenly France smashed two home in quick succession, and the rotund female was belting out an aria at full volume.
In other news, the world of football was stunned when Brazil won again.
What's worrying me is that England's route to the final lays through Brazil, unless France can beat them first.
Brazil vs France, 1st July.
No games tomorrow, so I predict a series of no-score draws.
In other news, the world of football was stunned when Brazil won again.
What's worrying me is that England's route to the final lays through Brazil, unless France can beat them first.
Brazil vs France, 1st July.
No games tomorrow, so I predict a series of no-score draws.
27.6.06
Germany 2006 Day 18
Australia are out, which is a real shame. I would have loved to see the Aussies go further. Italy hit one home despite being down to ten men, which is quite impressive in anyone's book.
And red cards are just flowing out of this tournament.
Switzerland got a lesson in just how annoying penalty shootouts are. This is the first time any team's been down to panalties in this World Cup, but I doubt it'll be the last.
Italy go on to play Ukraine on the 30th.
Tomorrow brings Brazil vs Ghana, and Spain vs France. You've got to favour Brazil and Spain to go through.
Ukraine and Ghana are the only World Cup virgins left in the tournament, and Ukraine are already through to the quarter-finals. It's be great if Ghana could join them.
All they need do is get through Brazil.
Yeah, because that should be a piece of cake.
And red cards are just flowing out of this tournament.
Switzerland got a lesson in just how annoying penalty shootouts are. This is the first time any team's been down to panalties in this World Cup, but I doubt it'll be the last.
Italy go on to play Ukraine on the 30th.
Tomorrow brings Brazil vs Ghana, and Spain vs France. You've got to favour Brazil and Spain to go through.
Ukraine and Ghana are the only World Cup virgins left in the tournament, and Ukraine are already through to the quarter-finals. It's be great if Ghana could join them.
All they need do is get through Brazil.
Yeah, because that should be a piece of cake.
25.6.06
Germany 2006 Day 17
England beat Ecuador and Portugal beat Holland, so now England faces Portugal in the quarter-finals.
First, the England game was weak. It lacked style, oomph, verve, whatever. Again, it was typical English football, where an ugly win is still a win. The Beckham goal was a delight, and Ecuador were extremely unfortunate not to score from one of their several shots on goal.
And now...
Okay, Portugal vs Holland was a complete bastardfest. Four players sent off (stat alert - this breaks the all-time World Cup record), sixteen yellow cards (stat alert - this ties the all-time World Cup record), fouls every thirty seconds, retaliation, fights. Both teams wanted this real bad.
England against Portugal looks like it'll be a good match, if England can actually show up this time.
The way we played today may cut it against Ecuador, but against the likes of Germany or Brazil, we'd get thrashed.
First, the England game was weak. It lacked style, oomph, verve, whatever. Again, it was typical English football, where an ugly win is still a win. The Beckham goal was a delight, and Ecuador were extremely unfortunate not to score from one of their several shots on goal.
And now...
Okay, Portugal vs Holland was a complete bastardfest. Four players sent off (stat alert - this breaks the all-time World Cup record), sixteen yellow cards (stat alert - this ties the all-time World Cup record), fouls every thirty seconds, retaliation, fights. Both teams wanted this real bad.
England against Portugal looks like it'll be a good match, if England can actually show up this time.
The way we played today may cut it against Ecuador, but against the likes of Germany or Brazil, we'd get thrashed.
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