Manchester United v Arsenal: An English Classic

Manchester United v Arsenal

Old Trafford

This game will surely get football lovers licking their lips with delight. This will be the 100th meeting between both sides in all competitions at Old Trafford. Manchester United lead on the head-to-head encounters at OT with 57 wins (57.58%), Arsenal have recorded 17wins (17.17%) with 25 games ending in draws. This fixture could be regarded as the English equivalent of Spain’s El Classico. Long gone are the days of pre and post-match tunnel bust-ups, on-the-field tussles, soup and pizza throwing, it wasn’t so long ago Roy Keane and Patrick Viera were the main protagonists of this fixture. While Keane and Viera have long exited the stage, the rivalry between both sides goes on albeit not as fiery as in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Arsene Wenger and his Gunners topped the league table last week with United’s game at Blackpool postponed due to bad weather. Manchester United with a game in hand will be primed to reclaim first place with a home win. United’s last league game at Old Trafford saw the Red Devils maul Blackburn 7-1, three days later the euphoria of that massive win quickly evaporated when a second-stringed United side were thumped 4-0 in the League Cup by West Ham at Upton Park. With both sides safely through to the knock-out round of the UEFA Champions League, attention now turns to the Premier League. United remain the league’s only unbeaten side after 15 games and that record is under threat with the visit of Arsenal. The Gunners have found no joy at Old Trafford in recent years and you will have to go back to September 2006 when the Gunners recorded their last win over the Red Devils at Old Trafford. Emmanuel Adebayor netted the winner four minutes from time to seal a memorable win despite the Gunners squandering a first half penalty. With a trip to Stamford Bridge looming largely on the horizon, Sir Alex Ferguson and his team will want to dispatch of Arsenal as soon as possible. This game pits the team with the best home record, Manchester United, against Arsenal the team with the best record on the road.

While Arsenal survived a fright to beat Fulham 2-1 on Saturday, United had the weekend off after heavy snow led to their match at Blackpool to be postponed. Arsenal will be looking to consolidate top spot while United wanting to protect their excellent league run will be aiming for maximum points.

Men to Watch

Dimitar Berbatov on his day will be devastating for any given opposition defence as evident in his five-goal performance against Blackburn. His languid style is often misjudged by the opposition and this may yet be his greatest weapon while he unleashes terror. Never shy to shoot at goal and with breath-taking volleys, the Bulgarian is as much a goal creator as a goal scorer. I won’t rule Berbatov out of the goals should he have a good game Monday night.

Red hot at the moment.

Wayne Rooney showed in the 7-1 trashing of Blackburn that his hunger for goals remains to be satiated. Rooney is out to prove his loyalty to Manchester United and their fans that he is still committed to United’s cause and Rooney does have a good scoring record against Arsenal. I won’t be surprised should Rooney score his first goal from open play against Arsenal on Monday. A tricky customer anytime, the Arsenal defence has to be on their toes for the duration of the game with Wayne lurking about.

With Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit, Luis Nani has finally stepped out of the latter’s shadow and started turning his potential into good use. Nani’s blistering pace and trickery will be a worry for Arsenal but Nani seems to fade in and out of games, which is a major headache for SAF. Not afraid to take on defenders and with goals to his game, the Portuguese winger will definitely cause some havoc in the Arsenal defence.

Samir Nasri has been Arsenal’s player of the season so far, he has matched his good footwork with goals and assists. A testimony of Nasri’s importance to Arsenal was seen last week as he scored twice to give the Gunners victory over Fulham at the Emirates. Nasri grabbed a brace when Arsenal last beat United at the Emirates in a 2-1 in November 2008. With Cesc Fabregas struggling for fitness, Nasri will again be the one orchestrating the midfield and pulling the strings.

 A tricky customer anytime!

Lukas Fabianski will have to be at his best against United on Monday. After a shaky start to the season, the Pole has made a strong bid to be Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper. I envisage a busy evening for the Arsenal goalie and his performance on Monday will go a long way to strengthen his claim to that number one shirt.

Marouane Chamakh’s free signing has so far been a bargain for Arsenal and the Moroccan has contributed in no small measures to Arsenal’s success thus far. Good in the air and shoots with both feet, Chamakh will be a handful for United’s defence stalwarts. If let unattended, Chamakh could make United pay dearly for their laxity.

My MOTW Prediction

With top spot for grabs, this encounter will be a feisty encounter. Given the importance of this fixture I won’t rule out a sending off in this match. United have continued to grind results at home this season and I think Arsenal won’t change that though as much as they will push United all the way. I look forward to seeing Arsenal playing their brand of entertaining football; a credit to Arsene Wenger’s ‘beautiful football’ philosophy but Old Trafford is the last place to stick with a game plan. What Arsenal lack in size and they compensate with skill and flair but will that be enough to overcome United? Manchester United are known to force visiting teams into discarding their game plan and Arsenal will be no different.

The bench could play a large part in this game and on that basis and United’s current league form I will give maximum points to the Red Devils.

Manchester United 3 –0 Arsenal

Match of the weekend: Champions League Contenders Showdown

This weekend brings together the new ‘Big Four’; with Spurs the latest member of the big four playing host to Chelsea on Sunday while Arsenal will travel to the North-West to play Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday. This weekend might prove to be pivotal for the title contenders as they jostle for points and positions. I will focus on these two important fixtures of the weekend. First we head to North London, White Hart Lane to be precise.

  

Tottenham v Chelsea

White Hart Lane

It is the ‘Pretenders to the throne’ against the Champions. Harry Redknapp’s Lilywhites have punched above their weight in Europe this season and Harry has made mention of Spurs’ potentials of winning the Premier League. A true test of Spurs’ championship credentials will come in the form of Chelsea in this London Derby. Tottenham have made their title aspiration clear with that 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates in November and it is high time they are taken serious as genuine contenders. Of the ‘Old Big Four,’ Spurs have claimed the scalps of Arsenal and Liverpool so far. The Lilywhites will be looking to add Chelsea to that list when they file out against the Blues on Sunday.

Spurs were held to a 1-1 draw at Birmingham last Saturday despite taking an early lead much to Harry Redknapp’s disappointment as his Spurs side lost vital ground in the title race. With the little issue of qualification for the second round of the UEFA Champions League settled, Spurs can now mount a push for the top of the Barclays Premier League. Spurs rued those lost points at Birmingham; and a win over Chelsea on Sunday will throw the Lilywhites back in the mix of things at the top of the table.

Chelsea’s ranks were boosted with the return of John Terry and Michael Essien for the game against Everton at Stamford Bridge last Saturday but the Blues conceded late and had to settle for a 1-1 draw against David Moyes’ Everton. Chelsea’s recent poor run of form has seen the Blues lose top spot and slide down to third on the league table, two points behind leaders Arsenal. A win at White Hart Lane on Sunday will be a massive boost for their title aspirations. And with news that Frank Lampard might be fit for this clash, it seems the Chelsea machinery may be just be purring to life.

This game promises to be a cracker as Spurs never-say-die attitude will pitted against Chelsea’s attacking play. Both sides have met a total of 69 times on Spurs’ turf, Tottenham have won 26 games with Chelsea breathing down their neck with 25 wins while 18 games have ended in draws.

When will the Blues notch up a league victory again? That is the million pound question to be answered and with consecutive league games against Manchester United and Arsenal to come, the champions have their work cut out. But with this league season of unpredictability, one cannot tell what happens next.

Men to Watch

Should Rafael Van der Vaart be fit for this game, he will prove to be more than a handful for the Chelsea defence. The Dutchman has a knack for scoring goals at White Hart Lane, dangerous from set-pieces, I wouldn’t rule him out of the goals should he make the squad for the game.

Gareth Bale has been terrorising many right backs lately and Chelsea had better have an anti-Bale mechanism in place to keep the left-back cum winger in check. With an eye for goal, the Welsh Wizard’s pace down the flank is blistering and I am sure Harry Redknapp will utilise Bale’s speed against Chelsea.

Diminutive Jermaine Defoe does punch above his height, what he lacks for height he compensates with a deft touch and a keen eye for goal. Defoe will feed off the knock downs from either strike partner Roman Pavlyuchenko or Peter Crouch and will prove to be a handful for the Chelsea defence.

 Defoe and Lennon….happy times.

John Terry, the inspirational Blues captain is back after a spell on the side-lines and his presence on the pitch will help galvanise the Blues. With an eye for goal from set-pieces, Terry’s presence in the Spurs’ box should be a cause for alarm for the North-London club. Terry should also be able to win the defensive aerial battles against the over six feet Spurs’ strikers Peter Crouch and Roman Pavlyuchenko.

Petr Cech as the last line of defence for Chelsea has to be at his best should his team want maximum points. With the towering strike force of Crouch and Pavlyuchenko, Cech will definitely be kept busy on Sunday.

Nicolas Anelka, the sulking Frenchman if left unattended will create space for his strike partner to score. Anelka is skilful; though not the fastest in the pack he surely has eyes for goal and provides an assist every now and then.

Le sulk on the prowl.

My MOTW Prediction

This fixture has always produced goals and Sunday’s tie won’t be an exception. Spurs are not shy in front of goal and are quite prolific at home; against Chelsea, I expect an open and expansive play from both sides. Both sides are in dire need of three points after their respective draws last weekend. While Chelsea are a team under intense pressure with their winless streak extended to four games following last week’s home draw to Everton, Spurs must not let complacency set in. Spurs have the habit of conceding early in games and against a team like Chelsea that may be their undoing. Tottenham will like to put their stamp on the league this season as the top club in London but Chelsea will definitely have their say about that. To most neutrals this will be one great game of football as both teams will go all-out for victory.

I see goals for both sides and with home advantage; I will tip the scales in Spurs’ favour!

Tottenham 2– 1 Chelsea

My Match of the Week

Chelsea v Everton

Stamford Bridge

What a game this promises to be at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Chelsea come into this game on the back of 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park last Sunday. That draw at Newcastle saw the Blues surrender top spot in the league only for the first time this season after a string of disappointing results.

Everton’s league form has been far from impressive this season, the Toffees fell to a shock 1-4 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion last Saturday. Most of the season’s flak has been directed towards Liverpool’s Roy Hodgson but it seems that is gradually shifting to cross town rivals Everton with David Moyes coming under close scrutiny this weekend.

This game offers a lot for both teams; for Chelsea, reclaiming top spot is a priority while watching their backs with Arsenal breathing down their necks. Everton are nervously looking over their shoulders as they hang precariously over the relegation zone; with two points separating the Toffees from relegation waters, three points at Stamford Bridge will calm those fears for now.

Chelsea are still without inspirational captain John Terry, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien. The Blues have suffered in the absence of the trio and the return to fitness for these players will be a massive boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s team with games coming thick and fast this period. Didier Drogba hasn’t been in top form since his last bout of malaria and the league champions are struggling to find the net in the league.

Everton’s problems are quite comical to say the least, Moyes’ team have had problems in the goal-scoring department lately, a testament of their current league position. With mercurial midfield maestro Mikel Arteta suspended for this game, Everton will have to look elsewhere for creativity in the centre of the pack. The sooner Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Louis Saha and Jermaine Beckford get amongst the goals the better the Toffees’ prospects in escaping the relegation dog-fight.

This fixture has traditionally been an entertaining one down the years and Sunday’s encounter will live to expectations given the backdrop of both teams’ recent run of games. Everton have played three of the so called ‘Big 4’ at Goodison Park this season and claimed four points from a possible nine (a 2-0 win over Liverpool, a 3-3 draw with Manchester United and a 1-2 loss to Arsenal). Will the Toffees be out of their comfort zone against a wounded Chelsea team at Stamford Bridge? Or is it a bridge too far?

Men to Watch

For Chelsea, Didier Drogba and Ashley Cole are the players to watch. Drogba has been out of the goals for too long. I have the inkling that when Drogba starts scoring again, Chelsea will be winning again.

Despite Chelsea’s late poor run of form, Ashley Cole has been the Blues’ best player by a mile. His overlapping runs and dribbles into the opponent’s box has been a constant feature and with an eye for goals this left-back is one to watch.

Everton’s key player this season has been Tim Cahill and he is not to be underestimated in a game of this magnitude. Despite being well below six feet, the Australian has the uncanny ability to score goals with his head and will definitely be a handful for Chelsea’s defence. Cahill’s quick sense of judgement and aerial prowess could be Chelsea’s undoing if he is left unattended.

With Mikel Arteta suspended the onus of midfield creativity falls on Steven Pienaar. The South African has to dig into his creativity depths to outclass a makeshift Chelsea midfield. Pienaar will need the assistance of his teammates if Everton are to boss the midfield. Besides Cahill, Pienaar looks more likely a source of goals for the Toffees than the Everton strikers.

My Match of the Week Prediction

Chelsea’s bad run of games will come to an end someday and it could as well be against Everton. With games against Tottenham and Manchester United to follow, Chelsea are primed to send a warning shot to their title rivals that they are not ready to relinquish their title without a fight.

Everton had what looked on paper like a sure banker at home to the Baggies last week but it turned out to be a nightmare for the Toffees. Everton will find it difficult to shut Chelsea out in this fixture and I am sure the Toffees won’t be disappointed should they take a point form this game. Stamford Bridge is one of the last places to go when you are seeking a win to kick-start your season but Sunderland has shown that it can be done.

I fancy Chelsea bagging all three points but it will be a close one with the Blues’ defensive frailties as exposed in their last three league games.

I will say 2-1 to Chelsea.

English Premier League Preview

Match: Aston Villa v Arsenal

Venue: Villa Park

Date: Saturday, November 27th 2010

Time: 1245 GMT

Head-to-Head

· Aston Villa will be hosting Arsenal for the 88^th time in all competitions.

o Of the previous 87 encounters, Villa has won 40 games (45.98%), Arsenal have 23 wins (26.44%) to their name, while 24 games have ended in draws.

o Villa have a 1.76 goals-per-game average at Villa Park, slightly ahead of Arsenal with 1.34 average.

· The corresponding fixture last season ended in a goalless draw at Villa Park.

League Form

· Villa have won just one of their last six league games.

o The Villans have won one, drawn four and lost one in their last six league games.

o In the process, Villa have scored six and conceded eight.

· Arsenal have won four of their last six league games.

o The Gunners have won four and lost two of their last six league games.

o In the course of their last six league games, the Emirates outfit have scored ten and let in five goals.

Last League Game

· Aston Villa were beaten 2-0 at Ewood Park last Sunday.

· Arsenal squandered a 2-0 half-time lead to succumb 2-3 to North London rivals, Tottenham, at the Emirates last Saturday.

Last Home/Away Game

· Aston Villa were held to a 2-2 draw by Manchester United in their last home game.

o A penalty from Ashley Young and a Marc Albrighton tap gave Villa a 2-0 lead only for the Red Devils to peg Villa back with goals from Federico Macheda and Nemanja Vidic.

o Villa are unbeaten in their last seven league games at Villa Park.

§ In seven games at home, Villa have won three and drawn four.

§ At home this season, Gerard Houillier’s side have scored ten goals and let in five.

o Villa’s last league home defeat was to Blackburn Rovers on last day of the 2009/10 league season when they lost 1-0 in May 2010.

· In their last game on the road, Arsenal beat Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park.

o Bacary Sagna and Cesc Fabregas scored either half of the break to give the Gunners a 2-0 lead, with Tim Cahill grabbing Everton’s consolation in the 89^th minute.

o On the road this season, Arsenal have won four, drawn two and lost one.

o Arsene Wenger’s team have scored 11 and conceded six goals away from The Emirates in the league.

o Arsenal’s only defeat on the road this season was the 0-2 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the first week of October.

Clean Sheets

· Aston Villa have managed four clean sheets in 14 league games.

o The Villans have scored 15 and conceded 20 goals

· Arsenal have also kept four clean sheets in 14 league games.

o The Gunners have scored 28 goals and conceded 15 in the league.

§ Arsenal are the league's joint top-scorers with Chelsea and Manchester United all with 28 goals.

Top Goal Scorers

• Stewart Downing is Vila’s top marksman with four league goals.
• Marouane Chamakh is Arsenal’s top goal scorer with six goals to his name this season.

Of the Boss and his prized asset

While events down in Merseyside have dominated the news in England lately, another crisis is brewing in the north-west in the form of Manchester United. It seems that the turmoil in the north-west won’t just go away.

Now off to the city of Manchester, to Old Trafford to be precise. If rumours are anything to go by, Wayne ‘Wazza’ Rooney is likely on his way out of The Theatre of Dreams. Wayne Rooney seems to be courting controversy with relative ease. Rooney’s present predicament is a spill-over from last season’s campaign; after picking an ankle injury against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, Wazza has never been the same boisterous player we have all known him to be. A disappointing campaign with England at the World Cup in the summer was followed by revelations about his private life.

Then Rooney incurred the wrath of Sir Alex Ferguson when he contradicted the latter’s statement on his fitness. To be honest Ferguson tried to shield Rooney from the media glare during the height of his scandalous extra-marital affair exposure. Perhaps Fergie’s chastisement didn’t go down too well with the striker, it was rumoured the Rooney was in line for the captain’s armband at Old Trafford but that idea died a natural death after Rooney’s escapades were revealed.

 Was it the hooker or the ankle?

Rooney effectively branded Ferguson a ‘liar’ when he claimed that he wasn’t suffering an ankle injury prior to England’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro last week. Rooney not only ridiculed Ferguson, he also challenged United’s medical team that have been seeing to the ‘phantom knee injury.’ If Ferguson had fielded a non-fit Wayne Rooney against Sunderland prior to the international break, there would have been an uproar in England over Ferguson literally flogging a dead horse. Then Rooney dropped that bombshell in an interview after the Montenegro match.

Wayne Rooney is wise enough not to cross paths with ‘The Boss’. He was witness to Ferguson’s discipline of Ruud van Nistlerooy before the Dutchman was eventually shipped to Real Madrid. Wazza was well aware of Cristiano Ronaldo’s misdemeanour before he was sold off to Madrid; these incidents should have served as enough warning for Rooney to stay on the straight and narrow. If Wayne Rooney is tired of life at Old Trafford, he should pack his bags and leave. United cannot deal with another disgruntled player.

We love it in Spain, who cares if you love playing away from home?

I will take sides with Ferguson on this issue; Wayne Rooney owes Fergie for most of his fame. It is like the proverbial teeth biting the finger that fed it. Ferguson has nurtured Rooney to the  star he is today. Wayne Rooney should be putting more effort in training and on the pitch rather than ridiculing Fergie in the media. Accepted, Fergie does go the extreme to discipline his players; but like a father, he only wants to show them that they have erred and retrace their steps. Wayne Rooney’s profile isn’t bigger than that of David Beckham but when Beckham tried to revolt against Ferguson he was quickly dispatched to Spain. David Beckham career after he left United took a plunge and the football superstar’s fall from grace at Old Trafford still haunts him till this day. Wayne Rooney take a cue!

Accept it like the man you are or just …….walk away!

Rumours are rife about a breakdown in Rooney’s contract talk with United.; with a year and half still left on his contract I wouldn’t be surprise should Sir Alex decide to cash in on his prized asset. Many clubs have been touted as likely destinations for Wazza; Real Madrid, AC Milan, Barcelona, Chelsea and even cross town rivals Manchester City. One thing is sure, we have not heard the last of this saga. Rooney will have to make do with substitute appearances for United while he does penance for his transgressions and when the time comes, there is only one man who knows best how to show you the way out! of Old Trafford.

That’s the way out son……

They Will Never Walk Alone

It must be excruciating times for Liverpool fans; with the ignominy of being dumped out of the ‘less prestigious’ League Cup by League Two side, Northampton, on Wednesday after a bitter loss at Old Trafford three days earlier. The Kop must be wondering what’s gone wrong fro them this season. As a staunch Manchester United fan, every Liverpool defeat calls for celebration; nothing is more soothing to know that the Red half of Merseyside (now Misery-side) are going through turbulent times both on and off the pitch. The rivalry between United and Liverpool lost some of its venom with the exit of Rafa Benitez and the enthronement of the lovable Roy Hodgson. Benitez gave Sir Alex Ferguson a lot to talk about during his time at Anfield and vice-versa. To say the pair saw eye-to-eye would be an irony; while the former has relocated to the Italian Serie A, the great Scotsman still deems it fit to direct some salvo at the Spaniard. SAF blames Liverpool’s current form on Benitez and I will like to agree with ‘The Boss.’

 The new face of Liverpool………shock, disbelief  and uncertainty!!!

Benitez’s transfer policy and his aimless rants has left the Kop with nothing more than just another side in the English Premier League. Not in the distant future Liverpool may be spoken in the same breath with no disrespect to the likes of Bolton and Stoke City. The exit of players like Xabi Alonso, John Arne Riise, Sammi Hyypia amongst others severely weakened the team without adequate cover or replacements.  One of Benitez’s gaffe at Anfield was the purchase of Robbie Keane; the Irishman never had the chance to prove his worth before he was chipped back to Tottenham at a knock-down price, lest I mention the Aquilani saga!? I won’t fault Gerard Houllier when he said he built the Liverpool team that won the 2005 Champions League. Houllier did lay the foundation and Benitez only reaped the dividends. What the Kop needed during Rafa’s time was a League title and the Spaniard could only manage a second spot finish.

 He let them down……and that’s a fact.

Poor Roy Hodgson has to take the blame for Benitez’s misgivings but the gentleman of English football will turn things around pretty soon. In my honest opinion, the Mighty Reds will not finish among the top four this season but their role will be pivotal on who ascends those lofty stairs to Europe. With the little issue of Manchester United settled last week, Chelsea and Arsenal should be wary of the threat posed by the wounded and reeling Liverpool. Sunderland are in for a backlash this weekend and it will be no surprise to see the Black Cats  beaten black and blue. That might just be the tonic the Kop have been craving and who knows what Liverpool may go on to achieve this season.

 Happier times, Stevie G and Nando…the dynamic duo!

Fernando Torres doesn’t necessarily need to play well for Liverpool to play well, the players should have the belief and look back at the great ‘Liverpool traditional’-if I may borrow SAF’s phrase. My concern for Liverpool is that they lack depth in squad and that may be their bane this season unless something radical is done during the January transfer window. Steven Gerard has been Captain Marvellous for the Anfield side but Liverpool can only field one Stevie G, I dread to think what would happen to Liverpool should Stevie be side-lined for a few week with a knock!

Liverpool should not be taken for granted despite their poor start to the season and with the scheming Hodgson in charge, the Kop will find it voice soon and maybe they won’t walk alone after all.

The Beautiful Game and the Oldest Profession

What is it with footballers and extra-marital affairs? Perhaps they relish the away tie more often than not. To be sincere these over-paid prim donnas need to show that they are the ‘role models’ they are purported to be. It seem to be the new craze in the Footy world; more controversial than goal-line technology. To be honest, I don’t care what footballers do in their private lives because they are entitled to their privacy as much as the rest of us.

 The English need to cheer up!

Poor Wayne ‘Wazza’ Rooney! The lad obviously missed the latter part of his teenager years and I am not sure he was warned about the ladies of ill-repute. Rooney had a World Cup to forget and this scandal will throw more light on his performance henceforth. As a family man, he has let his wife down and he must be sweating profusely whenever he’s home off the pitch. Will she forgive him? Of course she will, else Wazza goes the way of Gazza!

Frank Ribery of France and Bayern Munich could go to jail if found guilty of sleeping with an under-aged prostitute but on the brighter side, the Bayern man thought the lass was well over 18. I don’t blame him, he is an advocate for home-grown talents. Prostitution is legal in France but it still carries a penalty if the act is done with a minor. Rooney cannot be exonerated because it is the same press that hyped him that will eventually destroy him.

 I’m a true Red Devil……

Every man is entitled to his privacy; be it in his bedroom, in the back of a taxi or just round the corner. Many of us will willingly stray if the opportunity presents itself. My fear for Rooney is that problems off the pitch don’t affect his performance on it.

The World Cup Report Card

As the dust settles and we look back on an event-filled World Cup in South Africa. The fall-out from the World Cup still reverberates around the football world. To some pundits, South Africa 2010 was a tournament to forget while to others, the memories are simply those to relish. Besides the constant drones of the ubiquitous Vuvuzelas, the dodgy flight of the Jabulani ball and suspect officiating, the on-field and off-pitch actions were more than enough to intrigue the most cynical of football fans.
This is a report based on the performance of participating teams at the Mundial and teams will be scored on merit. I will analyse teams in the six football confederations.


Confederation of Africa Football (CAF)
Africa produced 6 teams in South Africa 2010 including Algeria, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and host South Africa.

Algeria
The Fennecs were the only African team managed by an indigenous coach at the World Cup. The Algerians lost what on paper seems to be their easiest group game 0-1 to Slovenia. A morale-boosting goalless draw against a faltering England side gave the Desert Foxes renewed hope; needing only a win against the United States to qualify for the Second Round. Despite a brave performance against the Americans, Algeria slumped to a 0-1 defeat courtesy a late goal from Landon Donovan.
A combination of indiscipline and lack of ambition put paid to the Algerian challenge. The Desert Foxes finished bottom of Group C with one point and didn’t score a goal in 270 minutes of football.

Report Card: E – Poor
There is room for improvement in future tournaments. If the Fennecs had maintained cool heads and worked as a team, perhaps they would have done better. Returning to the World Cup after 24 years is an achievement on its own and even greater considering the route the Algerians took to the World Cup.

Cameroon
Once a powerhouse of African football, South Africa 2010 is one World Cup the Indomitable Lions will like to forget in a hurry. Despite making it to the Quarter-finals in Italy 20 years ago, a first round exit has been the default setting for the Lions who missed out of qualification four years ago.
Rumours of divisions in the Lions rank were rife prior to the World Cup with team captain, Samuel Eto’o, offering to withdraw from the World Cup after severe criticisms back in Cameroon. The Lions lost their opening game 0-1 to a well-organised Japanese side; many pundits expected the Lions to triumph over the Blue Samurai but were outwitted by the Asians. A 0-1 loss to Demark effectively ended Cameroon’s progress at the Mundial. Cameroon concluded a dismal outing in South Africa when they were beaten 2-1 by the Netherlands. Cameroon finished bottom of Group E without a point and only one goal scored.

Report Card: F – Failed
It was a horror show for the Lions in South Africa after missing out of the 2006 edition. Coach Paul Le Guen was heavily criticised for his team selection and all wasn’t well in the Lions camp. Rumours of a Rigobert Song-led faction in dispute with a Samuel Eto’o-led group were flying about. Internal wrangling conspired to thwart Cameroon’s effort off the pitch, while poor finishing was the bane of the once Indomitable Lions. The Lions have a lot to prove to their countrymen and fans worldwide. I expect a resurgent Cameroonian team in the coming years and I reckon Brazil 2014 wouldn’t be a bad start.

Cote d’Ivoire
Once touted as ‘the African team’ to win the tournament in South Africa, the Ivoirians did not have the best preparations for the World Cup. After replacing Vahid Halilhodzic with Sven Goran Ericsson, the Swede barely had four weeks to prepare his team for the greatest football showpiece on earth. Despite breaking his right arm in a pre-world cup friendly against Japan, striker Didier Drogba was selected by Ericsson in his 23-man squad. The talismanic striker never captured his top form in the ‘Group of Death.’ Falling 1-3 to Dunga’s Brazil after a drab goalless draw against the Portuguese, the Ivoirians needed to score bagful of goals against North Korea in the final group game while banking on the Brazilians to see off the Portuguese. The Elephants 3-0 defeat of North Korea was rendered academic as Brazil and Portugal settled for a draw thereby knocking out the Ivory Coast.

Report Card: D – Satisfactory
Despite being branded as Africa’s best team, the Ivoirians failed to sparkle at the Mundial. Perhaps had Didier Drogba was fit the Elephants quest would have been a lot different. The Elephants were good but not good enough when it mattered most. Making back-to-back appearances at the World Cup itself is a great achievement; a place in the second round in Brazil 2014 will be considered as progress for the Ivory Coast.

Ghana
Arguably Africa's best team in south Afica. Making it all the way to the quarter-finals in only their second appearance at the World cup; the Black Stars carried not only the hopes of a nation but that of a continent. The Ghanaian team with a blend of youth and experience came out almost unscathed from Group D including Germany, Serbia and Australia. The Black Stars got their World Cup campaign off to a good start with a 1-0 win over Serbia, the Ghanaians were forced to a one-all draw by Australia before succumbing 0-1 to Germany in the final group game. Ghana finished second in that group and booked a date with the U.S.A. in the Round of 16. The Ghanaians needed an extra time goal to see off the American challenge with a 2-1 win thereby setting up a quarter-final showdown with Uruguay.
Making history as the third African nation to reach the last eight, the Black Stars sights were set on a place in the Semi-finals. Ghana took a well-deserved lead courtesy a wonder-strike from Sulley Muntari, Diego Forlan will go on to restore parity for Uruguay and for consecutive games the Black Stars were involved in extra time. Ghana were eliminated after a penalty shoot-out but the extra time was mired in controversy as the Black Stars wasted a glorious chance to progress into the semi-finals. In the last minute of extra time Asamoah Gyan hit the woodwork from the spot after Luis Suarez had handled the ball on the goal line.

Report Card: B – Very Good
Despite missing talismanic midfielder, Michael Essien, the Black Stars exceeded their previous performance at the Mundial by advancing to the quarter-finals. The team was a balance of youth and experience. The sky is the limit for this group of players and they are already looking forward to the next Mundial.

Nigeria
Once a force to reckon with in world football, Nigeria’s return to the World Cup ended like their last appearance in Korea/Japan 2002; with one point and bottom of the group. Much has been said of the Super Eagles who often than not flatter to deceive. A catalogue of misdemeanour and poor management scuppered the chances of the Eagles. A 0-1 loss to Diego Maradona’s Argentina in the group's opener was followed by a shock 1-2 loss to Greece having played that game with ten men for over an hour after Sani Kaita saw red for petulance. Despite back-to-back losses, the Eagles were still poised for a slot in the round of 16. Needing a win by any margin against the South Koreans, all the Eagles could muster was a diappointing 2-2 draw. Once again the Eagles failed to make it out of the group stage of the World cup and recriminations of their South Africa misadventure have been widely publicised.

Report Card: F – Failed
Appointing a new coach only a few months before the World Cup wasn’t the best of preparations. Lars Lagerback barely had three weeks to familiarise himself with his team, more friendly game were played on paper than on the pitch as the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) failed to provide quality friendly games. Poor finishing and lack of discipline put paid to Nigeria’s chances at the World Cup. The NFF needs restructuring and the Super Eagles need revamping. A temporary withdrawal of the Super Eagles from football by the President of Nigeria was a clear warning to those running the affairs of the game in Nigeria. One can only hope the ‘new-look’ Eagles will vie for honours in the nearest future as Nigeria boasts of a huge pool of young players and there will never be a shortage of talents for the Super Eagles.

South Africa
It seems only like yesterday when Bafana Bafana were involved in the opening game of the 2010 Mundial. The South African were held to a 1-1 draw by Mexico in that opener, in total contrast to the opening game, ‘The Boys, The Boys’ were drubbed 3-0 by eventual semi-finalists Uruguay severely denting the host nations hope of progress to the second round. Needing a handful of goals against a pathetic France side in discord, Bafana Bafana managed an impressive 2-1 win against the French. The host nation missed out of the second round only on goal difference leaving millions of home fans devastated and inconsolable.

Report Card: C+ - Good
Despite being the only host nation o to make it to the second round of the World cup, the host team did put up a good performance and the future looks bright for this crop of players. Continuity is essential for future success of Bafana Bafana, and as Carlos Alberto Pereira retires from football South Africa enters another phase in its football history.

The Eagles that didn’t fly

After an exhilarating 2-2 draw against South Koreans in Durban on Tuesday, June 21st, the Super Eagles were knocked out of the 2010 World Cup much to the disappointment of millions of Nigerians. Yet again the Eagles have failed to win a game at the World Cup or make it through to the knockout rounds. Recriminations are already flying, finger-pointing for Nigeria’s dismal outing at the Mundial. Things would have been different had the Super Eagles had the rub of the green in South Africa but it seemed that Lady Luck did not favour the Nigerians.
I am going to dissect the Super Eagles’ performance at the World Cup and possibly highlight the turning points in the Eagles’ fortunes.

Pre-World Cup Preparation
The Nigerian FA are notorious for their tardiness and shoddy preparation for major football tourneys. The so-called ‘Fire Brigade’ approach came to fore once again; rushed preparations without careful and considerate planning has always been the bane of Nigeria football. Coach Lars Lagerback was only appointed by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) in February this year and the Swede barely had a month to familiarise himself with the players before the World Cup. Credit must be given to Lagerback for his squad selection despite a very short time with the players.

After a narrow 0-1 loss to Diego Maradona’s Argentina, Dickson Etuhu in an interview with the BBC complained bitterly about playing at altitude and lack of training at altitude. It will only make sense for a team gunning for glory to acclimatise with the conditions they will be playing in good time. Why did the Super Eagles have their training camp in the Swiss Alps in the Northern Hemisphere when the tournament is to be staged far below the equator? A training camp in South Africa should have been ideal from my point of view. The players would have acclimatised easily rather than popping into South Africa four days before the tournament kicked off. The NFF should take a cue from their South Korean counterparts; the Taeguk Warriors had training sessions in SA prior to the World Cup. The Taeguk Warriors obviously acclimatised better than the Eagles as evident in their performances.

Professionalism or lack of it
With utter disappointment and regret, the lack of professionalism amongst the Eagles is simply appalling. These players call themselves professional footballers but seem to lack the basic knowledge of the game. Nigeria’s group opener against Argentina was littered by ‘foul throws’ by the Eagles. Come on! This is the World Cup! It is the highest level you can play football yet the Super Eagles lack the knowledge of what a ‘foul throw’ entails. If possible, the Eagles should be taken to the classroom and taught the basic skills, rules and regulation of the beautiful game.

The now infamous ‘Red Card’ incident involving Sani Kaita is another example of lack of professionalism in the team. Kaita should know very well that shoving an opponent is a bookable offence lest trying to trample on him. Kaita looked flummoxed when referee Olegario Benquerenca showed him red, but it is the rule of the game and it was a red card ‘well-justified.’ The 1-2 loss to Greece is now history, no thanks to Kaita’s ‘rush-of-blood-to-the-head’ moment. The Eagles battled with ten men for over an hour and in football terms, that’s a pretty long time to play with a man down. Lack of professionalism cost the Eagles maximum points in that match.

Poor defending
Poor marking was a recurring decimal in all three games the Eagles played in South Africa. Against Argentina, the Super Eagles conceded the game’s lone goal from a set-piece; a corner kick by Juan Sebastian Veron floated into the Eagles’ penalty box and Gabriel Heinze beautifully headed home unchallenged. Should you take a look at Heinze’s goal against Nigeria, you will notice how pedestrian the Nigerian defence were. None of the Eagles in the box made an attempt to clear the initial cross from Veron, the Eagles were all guilty of ‘ball-watching,’ perhaps they were transfixed, rooted to the ground whileLionel Messi and co did maximum damage. Heinze’s seventh minute goal eventually turned out to be the game winner.

The Nigerians were also undone by two set-pieces against the Koreans. One should expect the Nigerians to use their height as an advantage over the shorter Koreans but the Eagles never exploited that advantage. Once again a free kick from the left, floated into the box leaving the Eagles flat-footed and an easy tap-in for Lee Jung Soo at the far corner of the goal post. Then Park Chu Young’s curled free kick round a not-so solid Eagles’ wall sailed through into the net giving the Koreans a 2-1 lead few minutes into the second half. Lapses in concentration by the Eagles defence were obviously exploited by the Koreans to Nigeria’s eventual elimination. Lesson learnt: set-pieces should be properly defended, while balls floated into the 18-yard box shouldn’t be allowed to land before they are cleared.

Poor Finishing
The Super Eagles are the most culpable of sides in the first round of the World Cup in missing goal-scoring chances. The main culprits include Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Obasi Ogbuke and Uche Kalu amongst others. Nigerians need not be reminded of Yakubu’s miss only from three yards against Korea or Obasi’s fumble against Greece. I don’t doubt the quality of the Super Eagles forwards but their finishing leaves a lot to be desired. Had the Super Eagles taken chances that came their way against all three Group B opponents, the scenario would have been totally different. As evident in football, you will be made to pay for missed chances sooner or later. No one can lay blame on the Jabulani for such profligacy in front of goal; football is all about taking your chances when the opportunity presents itself. After all said and done, the Super Eagles should have been more clinical in their finishes and spared the nation heartache.

It is not all doom and gloom for Nigerian Football after all. There are few positives to take from the World Cup; the team created lots of scoring chances. They had the fighting spirit that has been missing in the Nigerian game lately. I reckon the Super Eagles would have done better had Lagerback got a longer period with the team. It is time to revamp the NFF, give Lars Lagerback a long term contract and the Eagles will take flight once again. Not long now, let’s wait and see!

This is NOT my Blog!!!?: The Navigators seek Glory

This is NOT my Blog!!!?: The Navigators seek Glory

The Navigators seek Glory

Portugal

With a squad as gifted as their Iberian neighbours Spain; Portugal once a feared name in the World of Football have been in and out of the doldrums. The promised Golden Generation with the likes of Luis Figo, Rui Costa, Fernando Couto, the Pinto brothers, Victor Baia amongst others are long gone but Selecção das Quinas are primed to lay claim to World Cup glory in South Africa.

The great Eusebio was phenomenal in his playing days as Cristiano Ronaldo could be phenomenal for Portugal in South Africa. The weight of expectation on the Real Madrid midfielder-turned-striker is enormous due to his reputation as a goal scorer and playmaker.

Admitted Portugal play good football, but why is goal-scoring such a big problem for Selecção das Quinas? The Portuguese came undone in the semi-finals in Germany four years ago. Eight years earlier in Korea/Japan 2002 it was a disaster as the Humberto Coelho tutored side failed to make it out of the group phase against Poland, the United States and Italy.

With a good mix of youth and experience, Carlos Queiroz’s side are strong contenders for the trophy. How will Portugal fare in the so-called ‘Group of Death’ including Brazil, the Ivory Coast and North Korea? Or will they be tagged as 'Underachievers'?

Total Football Comes to Africa

Netherlands

The proponents of ‘Total Football‘; everyone remembers how well the Oranje play at the World Cup but never seem to get the rub of the green. The Dutch are most neutrals favourite for the trophy but they seem to crumble when it matters most.

Should Spain somehow win the World Cup in South Africa, then the tag of ‘Football’s Underachievers’ should be passed onto the Dutch. Losing finalist in 1974 and 1978 to then West Germany and Argentina respectively, you would be pardoned to sympathise with the Dutch. Knocked out of the last World Cup in Germany by Portugal in the Second Round, the Dutch failed to qualify for the party in Korea/Japan 2002.

With the likes of Patrick Kluivert, Edgar Davids, Edwin Van der Saar, the De Boer brothers, Philippe Cocu amongst others, Holland were eliminated by Brazil in the semi-finals after a penalty shoot-out in France 12 years ago. Most neutrals would like to see the Dutch excel and with a team of young talents including Robin Van Persie, Ryan Babel, Nigel De Jong, Dirk Kuyt, Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben amongst others, this may be the year the Oranje finally break their duck. I doubt it! But who can tell? 2010 could just be the year that Total Football reaps its dividends.

A legend with a bunch of talents

Argentina

World Cup Winners in 1978 and 1986. How much La Albiceleste would give to win the World Cup a third time and for keeps?
Under the tutelage of legend Diego Maradona, the White and Sky blues can boast of another legend in the making in the form of Lionel Messi.
The diminutive striker has set Spain and Europe alight with his dazzling skills for two seasons. The FIFA World Footballer of the year seems to be off pace and off colour when he wears the white and sky blue of his homeland.
Perhaps he misses Andreas Iniesta's passes or Xavi Hernandez's through balls while playing for Barcelona.

Maradona has been heavily criticsed for fielding over 100 players during the South America World Cup qualifiers, on the other hand the World Cup legend has given every player a chance to play for La Albiceleste some may say. Maradona's 2010 squad is akin to Marcelo Bielsa's 2002 WC squad; bursting with talents. On paper, that Argentine squad of 2002 in the Far East were the best, but it should not be forgotten that the very talented squad failed to make it pass the group stage in Korea/Japan.

Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguerro, Diego Milito, Carlos Tevez, Di Maria, Higuain, Javier Mascherano, Juan Veron to mention but a few are all talented players in their rights. The question remains; can they be a force to reckon with in South Africa? Argentina endured a heart-wrenching qulaifiers, eventually finishing fourth and escaping the rigours of the play-offs. Maradona's side endured humiliating defeats during the qualifiers including a 1-6 loss to Bolivia in the altitude of La Paz, not to mention the 1-3 home loss to arch rivals Brazil.
La Albiceleste were knocked out by host Germany in an ill-tempered match four years ago; their quarter-final exit in 2006 was an improvement when compared to the debacle of 2002 in the Far East. The Argentines were knocked out of the 1998 Mundial by the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.

The world waits to see what Maradona and Argentina will do in South Africa, his coaching experience has been under scrutiny and will be put to test in as the tournament progresses.

French Blues

France

Les Bleus and their many troubles; World Cup winners on home soil in 1998 and losing finalists in the last edition four years back. Unceremoniously dumped out of the 2002 World Cup without as much as a goal scored, and sneaked into South Africa 2010 with a massive slice of luck courtesy the ‘hand of Henry.’ Controversy has trailed the French team qualification for this year’s Mundial and will not just go away. The travails of Les Bleus are plenty and their fans have almost lost faith in the team. Under-fire coach, Raymond Domenech, is not a favourite with the French public and media alike.

1998 World Cup win on home soil was by default as the French were absent from the previous two editions (Italia ’90 and USA ‘94). An ageing French team got a rude awakening when they fell at the group stages in Korea/Japan 2002 (that 0-1 loss to Senegal in the opening match of that tournament is still rated as one of the biggest upset in football history). Les Bleus could not score a goal in the Far East (player fatigue and burn-out were given as excuses afterwards), with wholesome changes to the team and change of personnel at the helm, 2006 in Germany was a success although muted. France will go on to lose the in the final to Italy on penalty shoot-outs after talismanic Zinedine Zidane was sent off for that ‘infamous’ head butt on Italy’s Marco Materazzi.

There is growing discontent among the French public about the team in general and Domenech in particular. France had the luxury of the play-offs to qualify for South Africa after a roller-coaster qualifiers saw them finish behind Serbia. The French redeemed themselves in 2006 but 2010 may prove to be a bridge too far for Les Bleus with scandals flying here and there, discontent amongst the fans; that is no way to prepare for the biggest tournament in World Football. The likes of Thierry Henry and possibly Nicolas Anelka, it will be a final World Cup appearance paving the way for exciting talents like Karim Benzema, Hatem Ben Arfa to take centre stage.

France look set to slip back in the pre-1998 football wilderness if care is not taken. The French are bereft of excuses this time around and I don’t expect Mr. Domenech to manage Les Bleus in the nearest future.

Three Lions and much ado about Rooney

England

Don’t we all love England, the home of football? Yes, the English do make a lot of noise but never match it with performance in the field of play. 1966 World Cup triumph is a distant memory but the English brag about winning the Jules Rimet trophy (not World Cup yet).

England has suffered two consecutive quarter-finals exits in the 2002 and 2006 editions. A second round exit in USA ’94 in the hands of Argentina after a penalty shoot-out; the game many will remember for all the wrong reasons when David Beckham was sent off after a moment of indiscretion. In 2002 in the Far East Brazil continued where Argentina left off; dumping Sven Goran Ericsson’s England out of the Mundial in the quarter finals. The Brazilians did go on to win the trophy in Korea/Japan; the English consoled themselves losing to the eventual Cup winners wasn't bad after all. There was also a Latin flavour to England’s penalty shoot-out exit in Germany four years ago. Portugal administered the knock-out punch this time around. Once again, the game was mired in controversy as ‘Boy-Wonder’ Wayne Rooney was sent-off for petulance. The role played by Cristiano Ronaldo (then Rooney's Manchester United colleague) was truly despicable. Ronaldo was the villain in England for many seasons after that World Cup incident. After all said and done, England were out of the World Cup on penalties, classic English exit!

If Cristiano Ronlado was to blame for England’s exit in Germany 2006, Beckham/Simeone in 1998, what about 2002? Shall we say sheer Brazilian brilliance? I will let you be the judge of that! The English can boast of some of the best players in the world, true! Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and John Terry are all world class. Not long ago, England were beaten 2-0 by Spain in an international friendly and the English looked ordinary, not world-class stuff I must admit. England's hopes rest on the young shoulders of Wayne Rooney but can Wazza strut his stuff at the World Cup without losing it?

“England, Algeria, Slovenia, Yankees (EASY)”, so read an English daily describing Group C after the World Cup draws were made last year. Isn’t that sheer arrogance or is it over-confidence? England may rue their overconfidence when the World Cup starts. Undisputed, Fabio Capello is a great coach, but on the club level. His foray into the international scene is proving to be a success so far. In South Africa his credentials will come under scrutiny, it will be no surprise should England falter in Group C.

The dearth of home-grown talents is a recurring decimal in English Football circles but I beg to ask where young players like Joe Hart, Adam Johnson, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Ashley Young, Micah Richards and Gabriel Agbonlahor come from? England fails when it matters most because the English believe having the best league in the world (English Premier League) translates to having the best football team in the world. All can see that it is a wrong assumption; the English should take a cue from the Brazilians.

Capello has talked about a possible player ‘burn-out’ of English players due to the long, hard season in England. Not right Mr. Capello, mind you not only English players going to the World Cup feature in the EPL. Say the Ivory Coast perform below par in South Africa; they can as well lay the blame on the long, hard season in England (citing Didier Drogba’s performance for Chelsea). Such flimsy excuses should be far from Capello’s itinerary. Player ‘burn-out’ is the sole preserve of the next team on our list of ‘underachievers.’

The Spanish Armada

Spain

Long-suffering Spain’s quest for World Cup glory is almost legendary. When the ‘football underachievers’ are mentioned, one’s first thought is Spain. The Spaniards did themselves a massive favour shedding most of the ‘underachievers’ tag when they conquered Europe in 2008. With the FIFA World Cup, it is another ball game entirely. Vicente De Bosque’s will be slightly relieved that they are not branded as number one favourites to win the World Cup, that alone will not suffice if La Furia Roja fail to make their mark in South Africa.

Four years ago in Germany, the Spaniards were unceremoniously dumped out in the second round by France much to the chagrin to their teeming fans. In the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by Korea and Japan, a combination of poor officiating and vociferous home fans put paid to Jose Camacho’s tutored side as they lost to South Korea in the quarter-finals. To be sincere, the Spaniards were living on borrowed time in that tournament. The Fernando Hierro captained side were lucky to advance to the quarter-finals after an epic game against Ireland in the second round. If 2002 was a failure for Spain, then France 1998 was nothing short of a disaster. The great Adoni Zubizaretta featuring in his last World Cup could not save his team from being dumped out in the group phase. A 2-3 loss to Nigeria was followed by a drab draw with Paraguay, even a 6-1 demolishing of Bulgaria was too little too late as the top side in that group faltered.

Javier Clemente, then coach of the Spanish national side, and the Spanish FA were quick to blame their shock exit from the ’98 Mundial on the influx of foreign players into the Spanish La Liga. They claimed the large number of foreign player in the league was hampering the discovery and development of young Spanish talents. Fair enough, but the same undiscovered and underdeveloped Spanish talents were World Cup winners a year later in Nigeria (in the U20 category ) with the likes of Iker Casillas, Carlos Marchena and Xavi (yes, the very Xavi Hernandez of Barcelona). That put to rest the excuse of ‘foreign players killing local talents’ in Spain. Should you take a look at the Spanish La Liga at the moment (home to the best football club in the world), most of the names reverberating in the stadiums and streets of Spain are foreign. Diego Forlan, Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguerro, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Freddie Kanoute and Luis Fabiano but to mention a few are not Spaniards yet Spain can boast of young-talented players in the form of Gerrard Pique, Bojan Krkic, Andreas Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas, Alvaro Negredo amongst others.

 Honestly, I believe the Spaniards are out of excuses and should put up a great show for the world in South Africa, perhaps the tag of ‘great underachievers’ will be taken off their necks. Should Chile, Switzerland and Honduras somehow thwart Spain’s quest for glory, I wonder what excuse La Furia Roja will come up with. Poor officiating? Perhaps they will clamour for goal-line technology. Spain, the world is watching!

South Africa 2010.....The Unofficial World Cup Blog

Yes, it is almost on us this much anticipated World Cup on African soil. While the qualified teams are making last minute preparations for the 'greatest sport' spectacle on earth (I stand to be corrected), I have decided to give a little spice to the occasion. My views may be  unpopular in some quarters but I've got to air them anyway. Here it is for you football crazy fans. 

After all said and done, the FIFA World Cup will be staged on African soil for the first time. South Africa 2010 will be a remarkable World Cup for Africa in particular and the globe in general. Despite detractors from some parts of the football world, South Africa 2010 is a reality and it will show case the best of African culture and good football artistry. Now to matters on the field of play.

It has been a tradition for Europe to undermine and write-off the challenge of other football teams. I think this time the table has turned; roles reversed in this uncharted African terrain.

I will start my blog with one of the most controversial of subjects; The Perennial Underachievers.

The Perennial Underachievers

Every FIFA World Cup has its fair share of teams that never live up to expectations, the tag of favourites seem to weigh these teams  down as their performance in the tournament is nothing but dismal. The World Cup is never complete without a team or teams who carry the hopes of their nation(s) only to fall short of glory when it matters. Most football pundits label these teams going into the tournament as ‘favourites’ but the ‘underachievers’ tag is quick to stick when the ‘favourites’ falter. My first port of call will be Europe, Spain to be precise.