Yes it’s me again.
I’ll try to be as quick as I can.
Best match that wasn’t the final
Holland weren’t expected to win in the quarter final but they did break the South American giants Brazil.
The Dutch manager Van Marwijk had created a good team, with Holland taking every opportunity there was against Brazil.
But my personal favourite was Uruguay against Germany. What a match!
This game showed me that Germany is a force to content with in the future.
Best manager
Diego Maradona.
He inspired a team to believe in themselves, despite having little experience as a manager and having many personal problems.
Well done on getting his extension as Argentina’s manager to the year 2014.
I just love this comment from him, regarding some remarks that have been madr about his national side:
"Many journalists should apologise to the players.
"I'm not suggesting you drop your trousers but it would be honest and great so we all get along better."
Now for my, ahem, disappointments…
Biggest flop as a player
Italy’s Fabio Cannavaro.
Time and age catches up with everyone and it has for this 36 year-old, as he was caught out of position and dived into tackles.
I really think either he cleans up his act, like fellow Wales and Manchester United defender Ryan Giggs, who despite being the same age, shows no signs of slowing down and goes from strength to strength, or call it a day on his international career.
Biggest flop as a team
France – being caught on camerea being disrespectful to their trainer and being held back by manager Raymond Domenech was unacceptable.
This team, with the natural talent of Thiery Henry, Patrice Evra and Nicolas Anelka, should of put their individual issues behind them.
They deserved to be beaten by the host nation South Africa 2-1 in the quarter finals.
As the old saying goes, united we stand, divided we fall – they did justice to those words, regardless of the outcome of Henry’s talks with the country’s president Nicolas Sarkozy.
Biggest mistake by a referee
I know is predicable of me, but Jorge Larrionda and hs assistant did deserve the stick they got for disallowing Frank Lampard’s goal.
If they had rightfully allowed it, the score would have been 2-2 at half time.
That window of opportunity could have changed the direction of the England-Germany game.
Thank goodness for the other sporting activities for me to talk about…
Andria
Monday 19 July 2010
Saturday 17 July 2010
Viva Espanola
Congratulations to Spain on winning the FIFA football World Cup.
I’m glad at least one of my top three teams got the top prize.
The final, against Holland, was a temperamental match but the Spanish did deserve their one-nil victory.
It’s hard to imagine this is the first time the Spaniards have won.
I just love this short documentary, which is why I rooted for them.
To see it, click here.
£££££££
Now that it’s over, I will say who was, in my view, was:
The Best Team:
For this one, I didn’t need the help of Paul the octopus!
Spain started slowly but did achieve what they deserved.
Their hammering of Germany was tremendous – they should’ve won that match 4-nil.
If Fernando Torres had been on form, they would have won against the finalists Holland by a greater margin.
The Best Player:
Wesley Sneijder.
When he got a chance with the ball, he was very effective. His playing was simply what football is about: magnificent, outstanding and crucial. To see some of his goals, click here.
Holland wouldn’t have got to the final without him.
The Best Team Performance:
I did underestimate Germany.
Their destruction of England was painful to watch but Germany did show their willingness to try new strategies and repeated this against England and Argentina..
I want to say, I did enjoy watching Argentina, which does explain why I'm glad Diego Maradona got a renewed contract as their manager.
But the pace and willingness of Joachim Low’s team clearly stunned Argentina, whose defence wasn’t up to much – they should of watched their opponent’s previous match against England!
That's why I'm glad Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson spoke up for him.
The Best Goal:
There were many that deserve this but the winning goal by Spain’s Andres Iniesta was breathtaking as well as unexpected.
I was searching for a link for you to see it again but the sites I sech for have been blocked on copyright grounds!
The Best Tactic:
I have to hand it to the USA. I really believed they would lose against England 3-1 but they kept their nerve and composure.
I think they will have a future in this tournament, despite coming from a country more interested in playing baseball, basketball and a corrupt version of rugby.
The Best Match:
Holland against Brazil – the Dutch stopped the South Americans in their tracks.
The Samba Kings need to go back to the drawing board, unless they want to end up like the once mighty West Indies cricket team.
I’ll state more, including my view on best manager but for now, bye, as I do have a tendency to go on and on and on…
Andria
I’m glad at least one of my top three teams got the top prize.
The final, against Holland, was a temperamental match but the Spanish did deserve their one-nil victory.
It’s hard to imagine this is the first time the Spaniards have won.
I just love this short documentary, which is why I rooted for them.
To see it, click here.
£££££££
Now that it’s over, I will say who was, in my view, was:
The Best Team:
For this one, I didn’t need the help of Paul the octopus!
Spain started slowly but did achieve what they deserved.
Their hammering of Germany was tremendous – they should’ve won that match 4-nil.
If Fernando Torres had been on form, they would have won against the finalists Holland by a greater margin.
The Best Player:
Wesley Sneijder.
When he got a chance with the ball, he was very effective. His playing was simply what football is about: magnificent, outstanding and crucial. To see some of his goals, click here.
Holland wouldn’t have got to the final without him.
The Best Team Performance:
I did underestimate Germany.
Their destruction of England was painful to watch but Germany did show their willingness to try new strategies and repeated this against England and Argentina..
I want to say, I did enjoy watching Argentina, which does explain why I'm glad Diego Maradona got a renewed contract as their manager.
But the pace and willingness of Joachim Low’s team clearly stunned Argentina, whose defence wasn’t up to much – they should of watched their opponent’s previous match against England!
That's why I'm glad Manchester United's Sir Alex Ferguson spoke up for him.
The Best Goal:
There were many that deserve this but the winning goal by Spain’s Andres Iniesta was breathtaking as well as unexpected.
I was searching for a link for you to see it again but the sites I sech for have been blocked on copyright grounds!
The Best Tactic:
I have to hand it to the USA. I really believed they would lose against England 3-1 but they kept their nerve and composure.
I think they will have a future in this tournament, despite coming from a country more interested in playing baseball, basketball and a corrupt version of rugby.
The Best Match:
Holland against Brazil – the Dutch stopped the South Americans in their tracks.
The Samba Kings need to go back to the drawing board, unless they want to end up like the once mighty West Indies cricket team.
I’ll state more, including my view on best manager but for now, bye, as I do have a tendency to go on and on and on…
Andria
Thursday 8 July 2010
It’s an all European final.
So the UEFA cup is between Holland and Spain.
A little known fact, the reason this Dutch country wears orange, is due to the Royal house that still rules Holland.
We in Britain were once ruled by the house of Orange. That was William III and Mary, which became known as the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
This is when Mary, the eldest of his two protestant and legitimate daughters of King James II, was invited by Parliament to become this country’s king and queen to replace her dad.
Unfortunately William and Mary are also remembered in Northern Ireland for the Battle of the Boyne, which is why we in mainland Britain don’t really talk about them.
James II was a Roman Catholic and the Catholics ruled Ireland during his reign. It’s also from his lineage that we get the Old Pretender and New Pretender, after the English deposed of him.
The Irish rebelled and invited James II to lead them, which he did with help of troops of Louis XIV from France.
James was defeated on the banks of the Boyne on July 12, 1690, which led to the Treaty of Limerick the following year, which made Ireand a part of the Union with Scotland and Wales.
But it also sealed the start of The Troubles – that’s only ended over ten years ago.
Needless to say, I hope we don’t have a repeat of that this Sunday!
I’m just glad at least one of the teams I originally said is a contender to win is in the final.
I don’t understand what went wrong for Brazil, who usually have all bases covered.
Argentina did well but couldn’t hold it together against Germany, so I’m going to route for Torres and company to win.
Go Sppaaaaaiiiiinnnn.
See you soon.
Andria.
A little known fact, the reason this Dutch country wears orange, is due to the Royal house that still rules Holland.
We in Britain were once ruled by the house of Orange. That was William III and Mary, which became known as the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
This is when Mary, the eldest of his two protestant and legitimate daughters of King James II, was invited by Parliament to become this country’s king and queen to replace her dad.
Unfortunately William and Mary are also remembered in Northern Ireland for the Battle of the Boyne, which is why we in mainland Britain don’t really talk about them.
James II was a Roman Catholic and the Catholics ruled Ireland during his reign. It’s also from his lineage that we get the Old Pretender and New Pretender, after the English deposed of him.
The Irish rebelled and invited James II to lead them, which he did with help of troops of Louis XIV from France.
James was defeated on the banks of the Boyne on July 12, 1690, which led to the Treaty of Limerick the following year, which made Ireand a part of the Union with Scotland and Wales.
But it also sealed the start of The Troubles – that’s only ended over ten years ago.
Needless to say, I hope we don’t have a repeat of that this Sunday!
I’m just glad at least one of the teams I originally said is a contender to win is in the final.
I don’t understand what went wrong for Brazil, who usually have all bases covered.
Argentina did well but couldn’t hold it together against Germany, so I’m going to route for Torres and company to win.
Go Sppaaaaaiiiiinnnn.
See you soon.
Andria.
Monday 5 July 2010
WHAT A GOOOOOOAAAAAAL!
The three-point strike by David Villa in the 83rd minute against Paraguay was a stunner.
It kept me and the punters on the edge of our seats.
I have to thank both teams for playing football with such excitement as well as commitment and determination.
They really displayed why football is so important – it really is food for the soul.
If you want to see highlights of this brilliant match, click here.
*******
Sadly I can’t say the same for Brazil, who were my favourites to win.
When the chips were down, they behaved disgracefully against Holland.
Considering most of their players are from Suriname which, like Brazil, is also in South America with the same history as the Caribbean countries, then it’s not surprising they too have a natural affinity in how the game should be played.
By the time the match was over, I was glad the Samba Kings were going home.
It’s that type of playing which invites the hooligans into the sport of football, so lets hope we never see such deliberate stamping on fellow players again.
*******
I really hope that Diego Maradona keeps his job as manager for Argentina.
This troubled genius seems to have become a man since accepting national responsibility for their football team.
Many men would of made a deal with the devil to of had his talent and fame. The same goes for another misguided genius, George Best.
After abusing the excesses of fame with alcohol and drugs, it really is pleasing to see that he’s finally found his way in life.
*******
That’s why I also feel for soon-to-be former captain of Portugal, Christiano Ronaldo.
First of all, congratulations on him becoming a dad – I’m sure it will help him to be a stronger and better man.
Say what you like about this person but he’s had the strength to remain teetotal – his dad died a few years ago, due to complication attached to his alcoholism.
For Mr Ronaldo to have the will-power to say no to this popular product and to become a dad - with his mum and sisters actively involved - shows true strength of character.
Unfortunately he was caught on camera criticising the team manager’s strategy, led by former Manchester United deputy manager Carlos Queiroz.
He must have been unhappy at being the team’s lone striker, which also displays that staff must have confidence in their manager.
I really hope all goes well for both men. I know that sounds like a kop out but I don’t want to criticize either man – I have total respect for both of them.
*******
It’s a shame that Nicolas Anelka will never play for France again.
The French version of the Football Association have confirmed he will never be picked again after being sent home from the World Cup after his argument with their manager, Raymond Domenech.
*******
Congratulations to Serena Williams for wining the women’s single tournament at Wimbledon.
Most people who started their tennis careers around the same time as the Williams sisters have retired.
So well done on Serena, for hanging on in there and winning the same title again.
I also say congrats to Rafael Nadal for winning the men’s singles – he displayed true humility in getting the top prize.
Bye for now!
Andria
It kept me and the punters on the edge of our seats.
I have to thank both teams for playing football with such excitement as well as commitment and determination.
They really displayed why football is so important – it really is food for the soul.
If you want to see highlights of this brilliant match, click here.
*******
Sadly I can’t say the same for Brazil, who were my favourites to win.
When the chips were down, they behaved disgracefully against Holland.
Considering most of their players are from Suriname which, like Brazil, is also in South America with the same history as the Caribbean countries, then it’s not surprising they too have a natural affinity in how the game should be played.
By the time the match was over, I was glad the Samba Kings were going home.
It’s that type of playing which invites the hooligans into the sport of football, so lets hope we never see such deliberate stamping on fellow players again.
*******
I really hope that Diego Maradona keeps his job as manager for Argentina.
This troubled genius seems to have become a man since accepting national responsibility for their football team.
Many men would of made a deal with the devil to of had his talent and fame. The same goes for another misguided genius, George Best.
After abusing the excesses of fame with alcohol and drugs, it really is pleasing to see that he’s finally found his way in life.
*******
That’s why I also feel for soon-to-be former captain of Portugal, Christiano Ronaldo.
First of all, congratulations on him becoming a dad – I’m sure it will help him to be a stronger and better man.
Say what you like about this person but he’s had the strength to remain teetotal – his dad died a few years ago, due to complication attached to his alcoholism.
For Mr Ronaldo to have the will-power to say no to this popular product and to become a dad - with his mum and sisters actively involved - shows true strength of character.
Unfortunately he was caught on camera criticising the team manager’s strategy, led by former Manchester United deputy manager Carlos Queiroz.
He must have been unhappy at being the team’s lone striker, which also displays that staff must have confidence in their manager.
I really hope all goes well for both men. I know that sounds like a kop out but I don’t want to criticize either man – I have total respect for both of them.
*******
It’s a shame that Nicolas Anelka will never play for France again.
The French version of the Football Association have confirmed he will never be picked again after being sent home from the World Cup after his argument with their manager, Raymond Domenech.
*******
Congratulations to Serena Williams for wining the women’s single tournament at Wimbledon.
Most people who started their tennis careers around the same time as the Williams sisters have retired.
So well done on Serena, for hanging on in there and winning the same title again.
I also say congrats to Rafael Nadal for winning the men’s singles – he displayed true humility in getting the top prize.
Bye for now!
Andria
Saturday 3 July 2010
England aren’t the only team out of the world cup.
Other fine teams include Brazil, Portugal and Ghana.
On that issue, may I say I’m glad Fabio has decided to stay as manager of England.
I’m sorry, like most people in England that are men didn’t defeat Germany but that don’t mean Mr Capello should be our scapegoat.
I feel John Barnes said it the best in The Evening Standard newspaper, when saying the team ethic wasn’t there.
I fully agree when he said former England captain John Terry said a lot but didn’t concede to the fact that he was a part of the problem.
Read it for yourself by clicking here.
*******
I also feel for Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan hitting the bar against Uruguay.
If there’s one thing I can say from personal experience, nothing in life is more expensive than regret.
That’s why I urge Mr Gyan, please put that free kick miss behind you, realise life goes on or live a lifetime of bitterness which will have a long-tem effect on your career.
It’s either one or the other, you can’t have both.
Furthermore there are things that happen we cannot foresee; its how we deal with them that shape us as a person.
Turn away from self-pity, as Coolio says, in his inspirational song, I'll C U when you get there.
Listen for yourself by clicking here.
*******
All this talk about football makes me forget, our country won the cricket one-day series.
For many years, this game was dominated by the Aussies but not any more!
Go England!
Light and Peace
Andria
On that issue, may I say I’m glad Fabio has decided to stay as manager of England.
I’m sorry, like most people in England that are men didn’t defeat Germany but that don’t mean Mr Capello should be our scapegoat.
I feel John Barnes said it the best in The Evening Standard newspaper, when saying the team ethic wasn’t there.
I fully agree when he said former England captain John Terry said a lot but didn’t concede to the fact that he was a part of the problem.
Read it for yourself by clicking here.
*******
I also feel for Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan hitting the bar against Uruguay.
If there’s one thing I can say from personal experience, nothing in life is more expensive than regret.
That’s why I urge Mr Gyan, please put that free kick miss behind you, realise life goes on or live a lifetime of bitterness which will have a long-tem effect on your career.
It’s either one or the other, you can’t have both.
Furthermore there are things that happen we cannot foresee; its how we deal with them that shape us as a person.
Turn away from self-pity, as Coolio says, in his inspirational song, I'll C U when you get there.
Listen for yourself by clicking here.
*******
All this talk about football makes me forget, our country won the cricket one-day series.
For many years, this game was dominated by the Aussies but not any more!
Go England!
Light and Peace
Andria
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