The World Cup is about to enter the home stretch and is now down to the final eight with South America dominating proceedings aided and abetted by their Latin cousins Spain. A few words on the elimination of England and USA: England were woeful against Germany and deserved to lose 4-1. Nevertheless, I am convinced that the result would have been different if Frank Lampard’s goal had been awarded. Germany had taken a two goal lead, but England would have leveled the score with two goals in just over a minute leaving Germany on its knees at halftime ready for the taking. ESPN referred to the incident as “no-goal awarded in 38th minute.” Come on people; we should not permit the colonials to crucify our English language. England’s back four were a complete joke. John Terry’s lack of pace was cruelly exposed by the younger German strikers, Glen Johnson doesn’t have a clue of how to defend, Upson is not international class and Ashley Cole was abandoned by his captain Gerrard on the left side.
USA’s defeat by Ghana was the result of the Americans’ naivety. You cannot constantly concede early goals at this level and expect to win. They allowed it to happen twice at crucial times in the match; early into the first half and subsequently in the first few minutes of extra time. To paraphrase Oscar Wilde; to concede one early goal is unfortunate; to concede two early goals is sheer carelessness! USA missed a great opportunity to make a statement on the world stage, but inevitably it not meant to be.
I was so looking forward to the match between Spain and Portugal, two neighboring countries from the Iberian Peninsula. Unfortunately, Portugal’s superstar Ronaldo did not live up to his pre-match hype and surrendered like a damp Roman candle. Messrs Rooney and Ronaldo please exit from the side door and turn the lights off on your way out.
So anyway, the quarter-final matches look like this:
- Brazil v Holland
- Uruguay v Ghana
- Argentina v Germany
- Spain v Paraguay
Brazil hasn’t really been tested in this world cup and they have a few gears left to unleash against The Orange. I am therefore taking Brazil. I like Uruguay against Ghana. Their back four take no prisoners and they have two very good strikers in Forlan and Suarez. Spain has too many weapons to fall at the feet of Paraguay. The Spanish experienced their initial scare in the first match loss to Switzerland and are talented enough to win the damn thing. Argentina against Germany intrigues me. The Argies have a 100% record in this tournament, but Germany surprisingly lost to Serbia in the group stage. Every tournament has its shock result and this could be the moment. I’m taking Germany.
Spare a thought for Ghana. Their Government paid for 1000 supporters to attend the World Cup, but they ran out of money after 15 days and were required to return home. Meanwhile, 15 Mexican fans housed at a Christian College were arrested and deported for unruly behavior. They were consoled by the fact that Mexico was knocked out of the tournament while Ghana pursues its dream without the support of a 1000 fans clicking their heels at home. There is a moral to this story somewhere but I do not have the literary nuance to suggest something appropriate. Maybe next time I’ll have the answer.
Yes, I agree with what you say, but only partially. Regardless, it’s all good reading. Well done!
Are you joking? I’m not 100% sure I can put myself behind what you have said. But I will definitely be back to see what else you have very soon.