Of course, we have all been here so many times before that it should not be a shock or a surprise. The England team enter a major football tournament with hopes of reaching the latter stages and we even dare to think that it could be 1966 again but deep down we know that is unrealistic and we will settle for a heroic failure in the Quarter-Finals.
But 2010 episode of this long-running saga was a horror show. England left at the last sixteen stage after one of the limpest concessions ever see. Forget Lampard's "phantom" goal, which could well have swung the balance in England's favour for a while but can you really imagine this team managing to seize control of a game, especially against a German side who showed how togetherness and skill can be natural bedfellows, whereas England seem to think that these two attributes are mutually exclusive. Mind you, one in isolation would have been good. Capello's team in South Africa were disjointed, untogether (there are a variety of stories circulating about friction in the camp but regardless of true cause, they never showed any unity or sense of purpose) and prone to costly mistakes.
The little Englanders will point to the foreign coach and nod sagely that this will never work until we get an Englishman, preferably with St. George tattooed on his chest, back at the helm. It has to be admitted that Capello made some errors, (he was in good company) but the root of our problems lie far deeper than the nationality of the coach. The coaching system in this country is a shambles - there are plenty of people going through various FA Coaching levels but they are being taught the same old system by the same old coaches. Having been through Level 1 and known a few who have progressed further it is abundantly clear that the English coaching system is flawed as it is one dimensional, unimaginative and ultimately not likely to produce good enough coaches at the top.
We need to take a root and branch approach to the whole area of coaching. Be brave, be bold. Rip it up and start again. But this will not happen as there are too many vested interests involved. The FA has never been a forward-looking organisation and one cannot imagine they are going to start now. To rid ourselves of all the conservative traditions and staid people who are holding English football back, will require a strong person who has the requisite vision and tenacity. A figure such as Henry V or Churchill. At least they were English.
Showing posts with label 2010 World Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010 World Cup. Show all posts
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Saturday, 5 December 2009
(World Cup) Draw your own conclusions
It’s always a bizarre spectacle, a World Cup draw. Firstly, there is a strange ineluctable compulsion on behalf of the hosts to make the most of this gathering of the great and good of the football world. FIFA apparatchiks and heads of state throng the hall, nodding and smiling knowingly whilst us outsiders scratch our heads and wonder what the dickens is going on.
Secondly, there is the seeming complexity of what is essentially a simple process, that of arranging 32 teams into 8 groups of 4. Simple maths and by seeding the teams beforehand it should be a fairly straightforward process but somehow there are layers upon layers of obfuscation which befuddle the commentators and general public.
Lastly, there is the crucial choice of hosts and guest ball-pickers, which is usually a mix of the obvious and then the frankly surreal. There are the people entrusted with showing us the light but more often than not, they succeed in making toes curl and teeth grind.
South Africa 2010 did not disappoint as the jamboree started with a singing troupe a collection of wholesome young adults who looked like cast-offs from a school production of Oliver! Nelson Mandela was brought in, by videolink, to convey his unique statesmanship over the affair, which he just about managed as only a nonagenerian can.
Then it was over to the hosts – French FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke and Charlize Theron, the South African actress. Being French, he kissed her on both cheeks and that got the audience into a ferment of sexual anticipation. In her red dress, Charlize waltzed on to stage under the misapprehension that she was going to be playing the lead in the latest gritty but glossy ITV drama about high class escorts, “Unhappy Hookers”.
Apparently she is South African but her accent was less Cape Town more Tinsel Town and she also pitched her presence on the complete lack of knowledge angle at which she was consummate, her ignorance of anything to do with football was masterful. Dizzy blonde does not quite cover it.
Tension built, not at the prospect of the draw, but at how many times the ball-pickers would kiss the lady in red. Newly-appointed football ambassador, Rt. Hon. David Beckham managed just one perfunctory peck, mindful no doubt of the mess in which Tiger Woods is currently embroiled. Beckham was the only European ball-picker and cut a slightly curious figure with his latest haircut, a hybrid of a Mohican and a Number 2, which looks as though it is not quite finished yet.
The others represented African sport at its best – cricket, Women’s football, rugby union - even a footballer and the world class runner Heile Gabriel Selassie. At one stage Theron actually had the temerity to tell Heile to cheer up! He looked justifiably bemused by this exhortation and did quite well in resisting any physical retribution.
And so despite the shenanigans of the ridiculous sideshow, the draw was eventually made and England were handed a comfortable looking group which Beckham paid due respect. There was a nice irony behind the fact that he could be facing the country that at first adopted him and his entourage so enthusiastically and then felt rejected by his dalliance with Serie A.
Then there is that massive sense of anti-climax after the draw is completed. The mouth-watering prospect of all the fixtures are beginning to be etched into our mental calendars when we realise that there will be an interminable six-month wait until the show begins on 11th June.
Of course, England are hoping to have the problem of making the World Cup presentation come 2018 if they can sort out the internal squabbling. A vision came to me during the South Africa draw of the whole Beckham family being the central fulcrum of a presentation. At least it would add some spice.
Secondly, there is the seeming complexity of what is essentially a simple process, that of arranging 32 teams into 8 groups of 4. Simple maths and by seeding the teams beforehand it should be a fairly straightforward process but somehow there are layers upon layers of obfuscation which befuddle the commentators and general public.
Lastly, there is the crucial choice of hosts and guest ball-pickers, which is usually a mix of the obvious and then the frankly surreal. There are the people entrusted with showing us the light but more often than not, they succeed in making toes curl and teeth grind.
South Africa 2010 did not disappoint as the jamboree started with a singing troupe a collection of wholesome young adults who looked like cast-offs from a school production of Oliver! Nelson Mandela was brought in, by videolink, to convey his unique statesmanship over the affair, which he just about managed as only a nonagenerian can.
Then it was over to the hosts – French FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke and Charlize Theron, the South African actress. Being French, he kissed her on both cheeks and that got the audience into a ferment of sexual anticipation. In her red dress, Charlize waltzed on to stage under the misapprehension that she was going to be playing the lead in the latest gritty but glossy ITV drama about high class escorts, “Unhappy Hookers”.
Apparently she is South African but her accent was less Cape Town more Tinsel Town and she also pitched her presence on the complete lack of knowledge angle at which she was consummate, her ignorance of anything to do with football was masterful. Dizzy blonde does not quite cover it.
Tension built, not at the prospect of the draw, but at how many times the ball-pickers would kiss the lady in red. Newly-appointed football ambassador, Rt. Hon. David Beckham managed just one perfunctory peck, mindful no doubt of the mess in which Tiger Woods is currently embroiled. Beckham was the only European ball-picker and cut a slightly curious figure with his latest haircut, a hybrid of a Mohican and a Number 2, which looks as though it is not quite finished yet.
The others represented African sport at its best – cricket, Women’s football, rugby union - even a footballer and the world class runner Heile Gabriel Selassie. At one stage Theron actually had the temerity to tell Heile to cheer up! He looked justifiably bemused by this exhortation and did quite well in resisting any physical retribution.
And so despite the shenanigans of the ridiculous sideshow, the draw was eventually made and England were handed a comfortable looking group which Beckham paid due respect. There was a nice irony behind the fact that he could be facing the country that at first adopted him and his entourage so enthusiastically and then felt rejected by his dalliance with Serie A.
Then there is that massive sense of anti-climax after the draw is completed. The mouth-watering prospect of all the fixtures are beginning to be etched into our mental calendars when we realise that there will be an interminable six-month wait until the show begins on 11th June.
Of course, England are hoping to have the problem of making the World Cup presentation come 2018 if they can sort out the internal squabbling. A vision came to me during the South Africa draw of the whole Beckham family being the central fulcrum of a presentation. At least it would add some spice.
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
World Cup Dreams - Part 1
Fabio Capello has delivered. World Cup Qualification has been achieved with not a point dropped and two games to spare. England are the highest scorers in all European Qualifying Groups and they have clinically dispatched Croatia, their previous nemesis, with a steely ruthlessness that bodes well for the bigger tests ahead.
In just over a year, since he took over the role from the beleagured, belittled McClaren, Capello has instilled discipline and a positive, confident attitude that smacks of professionalism. What a contrast to the inept shambles of a team that he inherited which reeked of fear and was undermined by a shoddy amateurism.
The Italian could have hardly done any more in the relatively short time he has been in charge but he is extremely demanding. As a perfectionist, it galls him when his team allow their standards to drop. So even when England conceded Eduardo’s irrelevant consolation goal at Wembley he was genuinely angry, displaying his displeasure and frustration on the touchline at this lapse.
So far so good but Capello is not one to get carried away by this and it was significant to see how he reacted to the successful demolition of the nearest rivals. As soon as the game was finished he strode purposefully on to the pitch and shook hands with all the players in a business like fashion. Each player was acknowledged but there was no sense of triumphalism about it and the players were respectful. It was reminiscent of the sort of deference pupils show a schoolteacher. There is no doubt who is in control at all times.
As soon as the Croatia match has been properly digested and analysed, then the planning for South Africa will start in earnest. Capello knows there is still much to do as the evidence of the friendly games against France and especially Spain showed. England have showed that they have not shaken off some of the bad habits of the inglorious past and can still be made to look ponderous and incapable of holding the ball under pressure.
There are encouraging signs of shape and structure in the team and less reliance on individuals. Rooney, for example was not at his imperious best against the Croats, apart from a few subtle touches, but the team still looked good. England can truly be a team that plays with thought and balance, as was also witnessed in the friendly win away to Germany last year where we saw a second string side give an assured performance.
But as with all things England it is best to not get too carried away with the euphoria as, we know from bitter experience, what lies just around the corner. As masterful as Capello has been, he is not a magician and he will not necessarily be able to save us from our traditional susceptibility to the inevitability of the fall.
The last year has been about restoring the health of the patient. The signs are good but the omens are not.
In just over a year, since he took over the role from the beleagured, belittled McClaren, Capello has instilled discipline and a positive, confident attitude that smacks of professionalism. What a contrast to the inept shambles of a team that he inherited which reeked of fear and was undermined by a shoddy amateurism.
The Italian could have hardly done any more in the relatively short time he has been in charge but he is extremely demanding. As a perfectionist, it galls him when his team allow their standards to drop. So even when England conceded Eduardo’s irrelevant consolation goal at Wembley he was genuinely angry, displaying his displeasure and frustration on the touchline at this lapse.
So far so good but Capello is not one to get carried away by this and it was significant to see how he reacted to the successful demolition of the nearest rivals. As soon as the game was finished he strode purposefully on to the pitch and shook hands with all the players in a business like fashion. Each player was acknowledged but there was no sense of triumphalism about it and the players were respectful. It was reminiscent of the sort of deference pupils show a schoolteacher. There is no doubt who is in control at all times.
As soon as the Croatia match has been properly digested and analysed, then the planning for South Africa will start in earnest. Capello knows there is still much to do as the evidence of the friendly games against France and especially Spain showed. England have showed that they have not shaken off some of the bad habits of the inglorious past and can still be made to look ponderous and incapable of holding the ball under pressure.
There are encouraging signs of shape and structure in the team and less reliance on individuals. Rooney, for example was not at his imperious best against the Croats, apart from a few subtle touches, but the team still looked good. England can truly be a team that plays with thought and balance, as was also witnessed in the friendly win away to Germany last year where we saw a second string side give an assured performance.
But as with all things England it is best to not get too carried away with the euphoria as, we know from bitter experience, what lies just around the corner. As masterful as Capello has been, he is not a magician and he will not necessarily be able to save us from our traditional susceptibility to the inevitability of the fall.
The last year has been about restoring the health of the patient. The signs are good but the omens are not.
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
Lessons for 2010
The South Africans must be satisfied with the hosting of the Confederation Cup, which has proved to be a well run rehearsal for the main event in a year’s time when the first World Cup held in Africa will begin. After all they have Sepp Blatter’s seal of approval and that’s worth its weight in Krugerands.
As with all rehearsals, it is important to learn the lessons and see if these can make for an even better tournament come 2010 when there will be larger and more cosmopolitan crowds .
The main points of interest, in no particular order, are as follows:
Spain are not invincible.
The shock defeat inflicted on them by the US in the semi-final came at a time when the Spanish were beginning to look so formidable that an undefeated run all the way to the World Cup Final was not out of the question. The fallibility against the US may act as a timely reminder that they cannot take things for granted, or may create doubt when the pressure is on and bring back the mental fragility of previous Spanish teams who flattered to deceive.
The ball will swerve more than at any previous World Cup.
This has happened at every tournament in living memory, so no need for the swerving quotient to slow down. I have a theory here that the ever-increasing propensity of the ball to deviate in the air is more to do with the shine of the ball than anything else, and each successive World Cup organiser produces a shinier ball because it looks good on TV, especially now with HDTV encroaching our viewing.
Vuvuzelas will be a continual aural backdrop.
Many people, including the players, have complained about the noise created by these trumpets. There have been many florid descriptions of the atmosphere but the closest I can get is that it sounds like a swarm of bees but unlike swarms this cacophony never moves, it just hangs there. The South Africans bristled with indignation at any criticism and are sure to insist they are around next year to create a “unique African atmosphere”. May be marginally better than White Stripes anthem of Euro 2008.
Gloves to be worn by outfield players possibly for the first time in a World Cup.
For those who become angered by the sight of players wearing gloves at Wigan in December be prepared for apoplexy. The tournament will be played during the South African winter and several players were spotted wearing gloves during the Confederation Cup. Danny Alvez outdid everyone by sporting a rather natty polo neck under his shirt. Cue comments about playing in Wigan on a chilly December….
Brazil look invincible
The tournament favourites may justify their position if they show a similar resolve and solidity come June 2009. They showed both sides of a class team in looking imperious at times and then vulnerable at others, whilst being able to score late goals and mount a comeback as they did against the US in the final. They have also unearthed a half-decent centre forward in Luis Fabiano who could carry them to glory. As you would expect, with any team managed by Dunga, they have a solid midfield which will hunt down opponents, leaving the niceties of the game to the full backs or the Kakas/ Robinhos of this world.
So the likelihood is that 2010 will be the noisiest, swerviest, coldest and most predictable World Cup ever. So when North Korea beat Brazil in the Quarter-Finals remember where you heard it first.
As with all rehearsals, it is important to learn the lessons and see if these can make for an even better tournament come 2010 when there will be larger and more cosmopolitan crowds .
The main points of interest, in no particular order, are as follows:
Spain are not invincible.
The shock defeat inflicted on them by the US in the semi-final came at a time when the Spanish were beginning to look so formidable that an undefeated run all the way to the World Cup Final was not out of the question. The fallibility against the US may act as a timely reminder that they cannot take things for granted, or may create doubt when the pressure is on and bring back the mental fragility of previous Spanish teams who flattered to deceive.
The ball will swerve more than at any previous World Cup.
This has happened at every tournament in living memory, so no need for the swerving quotient to slow down. I have a theory here that the ever-increasing propensity of the ball to deviate in the air is more to do with the shine of the ball than anything else, and each successive World Cup organiser produces a shinier ball because it looks good on TV, especially now with HDTV encroaching our viewing.
Vuvuzelas will be a continual aural backdrop.
Many people, including the players, have complained about the noise created by these trumpets. There have been many florid descriptions of the atmosphere but the closest I can get is that it sounds like a swarm of bees but unlike swarms this cacophony never moves, it just hangs there. The South Africans bristled with indignation at any criticism and are sure to insist they are around next year to create a “unique African atmosphere”. May be marginally better than White Stripes anthem of Euro 2008.
Gloves to be worn by outfield players possibly for the first time in a World Cup.
For those who become angered by the sight of players wearing gloves at Wigan in December be prepared for apoplexy. The tournament will be played during the South African winter and several players were spotted wearing gloves during the Confederation Cup. Danny Alvez outdid everyone by sporting a rather natty polo neck under his shirt. Cue comments about playing in Wigan on a chilly December….
Brazil look invincible
The tournament favourites may justify their position if they show a similar resolve and solidity come June 2009. They showed both sides of a class team in looking imperious at times and then vulnerable at others, whilst being able to score late goals and mount a comeback as they did against the US in the final. They have also unearthed a half-decent centre forward in Luis Fabiano who could carry them to glory. As you would expect, with any team managed by Dunga, they have a solid midfield which will hunt down opponents, leaving the niceties of the game to the full backs or the Kakas/ Robinhos of this world.
So the likelihood is that 2010 will be the noisiest, swerviest, coldest and most predictable World Cup ever. So when North Korea beat Brazil in the Quarter-Finals remember where you heard it first.
Sunday, 1 February 2009
Probable winners of 2010 World Cup
As the 2010 World Cup will be the first to be hosted on the African continent it is worth considering whether the climate will be a factor in determining who wins the Jules Rimet trophy. The tournament will be held during the South African winter so any concerns over the impact of heat on certain players will be limited. The average temperature during June and July does not rise much beyond the early twenties centigrade and is comparable to a Northern European summer. This should mean that there will be no great disadvantage to countries from the Northern hemisphere as has been the case with some World Cups when they are played in intense heat.
With 500 days to go to the opening match, it should be noted that there is still a long way to go even in the qualifying campaigns, most of which are not even halfway through yet, so we do not know who will be there for certain apart from the hosts. Interestingly, Paraguay currently lead the South American group, six points ahead of second placed Brazil with Argentina even further off the pace.
it is difficult to envision any winners coming from outside the traditional football strongholds of Europe and South America. None of the Asian, Oceanic or North/Central American group can be considered too seriously. The only realistic contenders to upset the duopoly of Europe and South America winners appear to be the stronger African countries such as Ghana and Ivory Coast but history suggests that they will not make it beyond the Quarter final stage, even on their own continent.
So we the likelihood is that the winners will come from the top Europeans, Brazil or Argentina. Neither France nor Germany seem to be rebuilding very effectively, both Netherlands and Portugal have always flattered to deceive at World Cups, and reigning champions Italy do not appear to be going forwards. So of the Europeans, following their Euro 08 success Spain will be full of confidence and England are definitely on the way up under Capello.
As for the two South American giants, both are blessed with some of the most skilful and attractive ball players in world football but they also possess the steely strength required of World Cup winners. There is very little to choose between the two but Maradona may make the difference as the new coach. Ultimately, I foresee a final pitching Argentina against England with Diego proving yet again to be England's nemesis as Argentina carry off the trophy for the first time since 1986.
With 500 days to go to the opening match, it should be noted that there is still a long way to go even in the qualifying campaigns, most of which are not even halfway through yet, so we do not know who will be there for certain apart from the hosts. Interestingly, Paraguay currently lead the South American group, six points ahead of second placed Brazil with Argentina even further off the pace.
it is difficult to envision any winners coming from outside the traditional football strongholds of Europe and South America. None of the Asian, Oceanic or North/Central American group can be considered too seriously. The only realistic contenders to upset the duopoly of Europe and South America winners appear to be the stronger African countries such as Ghana and Ivory Coast but history suggests that they will not make it beyond the Quarter final stage, even on their own continent.
So we the likelihood is that the winners will come from the top Europeans, Brazil or Argentina. Neither France nor Germany seem to be rebuilding very effectively, both Netherlands and Portugal have always flattered to deceive at World Cups, and reigning champions Italy do not appear to be going forwards. So of the Europeans, following their Euro 08 success Spain will be full of confidence and England are definitely on the way up under Capello.
As for the two South American giants, both are blessed with some of the most skilful and attractive ball players in world football but they also possess the steely strength required of World Cup winners. There is very little to choose between the two but Maradona may make the difference as the new coach. Ultimately, I foresee a final pitching Argentina against England with Diego proving yet again to be England's nemesis as Argentina carry off the trophy for the first time since 1986.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)